Analysis of a Myth from the Perspective of Gender - Essay Example

Analysis of a Myth from the perspective of Gender: Introduction: This paper analyzes how gender is depicted in the Greek myths of the Trojan War, and the Odyssey. The Odyssey is an important Greek mythology. This myth is attributed to Homer, and it is part of the sequel contained in the Iliad. This is another work that is attributed to Homer. This poem is very important to the modern western canons, and it is the second oldest western literature. This myth, mainly centers on one of the heroes of the Trojan War, Odysseus, and his journey after the fall of the city of Troy. It takes a period of ten years, for Odysseus to arrive at Ithaca, his Kingdom. This is after the Trojan War that took approximately ten years. This means that Odysseus was outside his kingdom for a period of twenty years. During this time, his subjects thought that he was dead, and because of the beauty of his wife Penelope, many suitors came for her. She, together with his son Telemachus had to deal with this group of unruly suitors. The Trojan War, on the other hand, was a war between the Greek city states, led by King Agamemnon, and the city of Troy. This war emerged after the prince of Troy, prince Paris took Helen, the wife of the king of Sparta, Menelaus (Evslin, 77). The Trojan War is a very important war under the Greek mythology. It has received narration from a variety of Greek literature, and this includes the Iliad, written by Homer. The Trojan War and Gender: Under the Trojan War, women do not have any influence over the decisions that affects their lives. They are viewed as trophies and possessions that men acquire for their own use. Helen, Briseis, and Chryseis are examples of women who are play a role in the episodes of the Trojan War. These women are seen as prizes who contribute to the ego and pride of the men who surround them. Under the Trojan War, women do not have power to influence their lives. Their role is to contribute in building the ego and pride of their male counterparts. Helen is the woman who was responsible for starting the Trojan War (Evslin, 56). She did not have any control over the decisions that had an impact over her life, and on the lives of the many warriors who died in the Trojan War. Even before the war, Helen did not have any control over the factors that affect her lives. This is because she was given to Menelaus, the King of Sparta, after winning a duel that men fought over her. Furthermore, Paris took Helen to Troy, without her permission. This is because Aphrodite gave her to Paris as an offering. This is for claiming that she was the most beautiful of all women. Aphrodite was a goddess. Bird (31) therefore maintains that Helen did not have an option on whether to flee with Paris, or to remain in Sparta. However, she was given to Paris as an object, an award. Bird (13) maintains that Helen was one of the most beautiful women in Greece. When the goddess Aphrodite gives her to Paris, this is an indication that Helen is valued for her beauty, and not her humanity. Helen is a symbol on how the Greek society treats women. Even a goddess, viewed a human woman as a prized possession and object of beauty (Bird, 33). It is therefore important to denote that beauty in a woman was one of the most prized attributes that the Greeks looked for in a woman. This is even the reason as to why, the goddess Aphrodite was pleased when Paris made a complement that she was the most beautiful woman in the whole of Greece. However, the major difference between the female goddesses, and the female humans, is that the female goddesses could control their destinies. This is the reason Aphrodite had an authority to give Helen to Paris, even though she belonged to Menelaus (Bird, 32). Furthermore, during the Trojan War, Aphrodite gave her support to the Trojans; this is despite Zeus her father, being on the side of the Greeks (Evslin, 23). This is a sign that the female gods were independent from their male counterparts, and they could take their own decisions. However, human females did not have a voice, and the will of their men, was also their will. For example, when Helen was in Troy, she was sad, and her heart yearned for her old life in the city of Sparta. Bird (51) explains that under the Greek culture, if a man was uncomfortable, and confused, then he had the ability of making an important decision that could lead or influence the path of his life. A good example is when Achilles, the Greek Hero refused to engage in battle against the Trojans, after an argument with King Agamemnon, the commander of the Greek armies. Another example is when Paris refused to return Helen back to the Greeks. This is a right that a woman does not enjoy, and hence Helen was forced to confine herself at Troy, a city where she had no friends and family. If given a choice, Evslin (27) maintains that Helen would prefer going back to Sparta. However, because she is a woman, the only option she had was to stay at Troy, and watch warriors die over the quarrels of her two lovers. Furthermore, the conflict between Agamemnon and Achiles emanated because of the women they claimed to possess. These women are Bryseis and Chryseis, the two women who were taken captive after defeating a Trojan town (Evslin, 28). Agamemnon claimed Chryseis, while Achilles made a claim to Bryseis. Because of the plagues the the god Apollo gave to the Achean camps, king Agamemnon is forced to give Chryeis back. It is important to denote that Chryeis was a priestess in the temple of Apollo (Evslin, 29). This therefore identifies one of the important roles of women within the Greek society. Women could serve in the temples of the Greek gods, and such women were sacred. This is the case of Chryeis, and because of her role, she was not to be touched by any man. This situation created anger to Agamemnon, making him accuse Achilles of trying to cheat him of his prize. The use of the term prize by Agamemnon is an indication that women were not equal to men. Agamemnon furthermore is upset that his ego his broken and this is because he was forced to give back his prize (Evslin, 39). This is the reason why Agamemnon threatened to take Braise, the prize of Achilles. This in turn made Achilles angry, and he withdrew from battle. It took the intervention of Odysseus to convince Achilles to return back to battle. By looking at this scene, it is correct to denote that men had an equal standing with each other (Bird, 27). Agamemnon was a king, but he could not force Achilles to fight for the Greeks. The absence of Achilles was felt, and this is because the Trojan army, under the command of Hector was able to gain some significant victories against the Greeks. Achilles was the best Greek warrior, and hence his presence was required (Bird, 28). That is the reason as to why Odysseus had to convince Achilles in returning back to war. Bravery and Warrior hood were some of the characteristics that the Greeks admired in men. Men who could win wars and battles were highly valued and respected. This is the reason the Trojans valued Hector, while the Greeks valued Achilles (Evslin, 71). On this basis, the Trojan War was fought because of women, who were viewed as possessions. These women made a contribution on how men were viewed within the society. This process of being taken and given is an aspect that negates the autonomy and freedom of women. This situation is a reflection of the beliefs of the entire Greek society, which viewed the male species as superior to the female species. Furthermore, a woman was defined by her beauty, while a man was defined by the victories he achieved in the battle field (Bird, 22). The Odysseus and Gender: In any discussion that involves the roles of women and men in the Odyssey, it is normal to concentrate on the city of Ithaka. This is because the society in Ithaka, is fully described, and it is very complex (Logue, 28). Furthermore, cities such as Pylos and Sparta are not adequately described in the Odyssey, and this is mainly because the narrator focused on the journey of Odysseus and the events that were happening at the court of Odysseus in Ithaka. Ithaka gives a representation of normality, when it comes under comparison with other provinces of Greece, this includes Sparta and Pylos. In the Odysseus, men are valued as warriors and heroes. This is just the same as the Trojan War. Odysseus, the hero of this mythical poem is regarded as famous and great warrior, having fought bravely at the Trojan War (Logue, 33). The suitors of Penelope, were also engaged in wrestling matches, and archeries. This was for purposes of finding a champion, who could take Penelope as a wife, as well as inherit the throne of Odysseus. Through this action, we find that a man gains respect because of his strength, and exploits in battle. The exploits of the heroes of Trojan War are constantly referred to in this epic poem (McDevitt, 32). This includes heroes such as Hector, the commander of Troy, and Achilles, the best warrior amongst the Greeks (Logue, 51). Warfare is a general theme that recurs in Odysseus. Proving oneself, in a warfare situation is therefore an important part in becoming a man. This therefore explains the reasons for incursions and constant cattle raids during periods of peace. These raids provided men an avenue where they could prove themselves as warriors and heroes. This is a value that was greatly sought after in men. The frequency of these raids is depicted in the Odyssey, and the journey of Penelope’s suitors in the world of the dead. When these suitors are killed by Telemachus and Odysseus, the god Hermes led them into the world of the underworld. They meet a number of warriors and noble souls and this includes, the commander of the Greek army, Agamemnon. Agamemnon is surprised at the untimely death of these suitors, and asks them the cause of their deaths (Logue, 56). Did they die stealing cattle, or raiding a nearby town? Based on these questions, it is prudent to denote that in circumstances of peace, men engaged in cattle raiding as a method of proving themselves as warriors. This is a fact that Odysseus recognized when he travelled the underworld. Odysseus was able to ask Agamemnon the same questions he asked the suitors of Penelope. On this basis, war brings glory and fame to men. It is an avenue whereby men can show their bravery, strength, and prowess. Success as a soldier adds values to the status of a man. The warlike character of Odysseus is emphasized by Athena, when she visited Telemachus (Logue, 11). Odysseus also boasts of his successes in war, when talking to Phaiakians, and the exploits of heroes in the Trojan War. At the court of the Phaekians, the song regarding the Trojan horse, and the contributions of Odysseus in the conquest of Troy was composed by Demodokos. A prominent role that Odysseus played in the conquest of Troy is the raids that he conducted at Kikones. This was one of the cities of Troy. In fact, his narration to Phaiakian begins with this raid. In the myth, Odysseus is compared to a lion on most occasions. A good example is when Odysseus is washed ashore at the island of Skherie. The narrator compares him to a mountain lion that is searching for food (McDevitt, 29). This is symbolic in nature, because lions are strong and brave animals. By comparing Odysseus to a lion, the narrator brings out his character as a very strong man, who is also brave. These are attributes valued greatly by the people of Greece. Odysseus does not only speak about piracy and wars. It also depicts the character of the society. When compared to the Trojan War, Odysseus gives a detailed analysis of the society and role of women. Under the Trojan War, women were subjects to be possessed, and prized. They were trophies to win as spoils of war. However, in Odysseus, women have some important roles to play in the society. They have a will, and they can determine their destiny. This situation is best depicted by the actions of Penelope not to marry any of her suitors. Under the Trojan War, women were forced to marry, and they did not have a choice. This is not the case in Odyssey. Penelope refused to marry these suitors, because she believed that her husband, Odysseus was still alive. Furthermore, she believed that these men did not have any good intention (Logue, 66). Their motivation was to inherit the throne of Odysseus, at the expense of their son, Telemachus. Her action was to protect Telemachus, and ensure that he inherits his father’s throne. Through this situation, it is possible to denote that women could also engage in activities aimed at protecting their families. This is in the absence of her husband. Furthermore, the central institution of the society of Ithaka is the oikos (McDevitt, 13). This was an aristocratic house hold that consisted of husband, wife, slaves, cattle, land, and other material possessions. The head of the oikos was the husband, and in the absence of a husband, the head was the first son (McDevitt, 13). This is depicted in the scene whereby Phemios recites a poem about the Trojan War, and the heroes who died in the war. Penelope demands that Phemios should stop reciting the poem, because it reminds her of the demise of Odysseus, her husband (Logue, 69). However, Telemachus replies that she should go to her room, concern herself with her own affairs, which is spinning and weaving, and she should get busy with her maids. Poetry concerns itself with men, and because he holds authority of the house, Phemios should continue reciting the poem. This is an indication that women did not have any leadership roles in the Oddysey. In as much as they could make some independent decisions, they could be overruled by the leading male figure within the household. Furthermore, women had specific roles, such as weaving and spinning. It is therefore important to denote that the roles of women and men were greatly identified and distinguished in the Odyssey. In that, certain activities were the preserve of men only, and others were the preserve of women only. This is further proved when Telemakhos prevents Penelope from viewing an archery contest, telling her that any aspect of weaponry and war is a preserve of men. In all these circumstances, Penelope accepted the rebuke of her son, and this is because she knew he was right. The head of the Oikos was a man, and everybody was subjected to him. Conclusion: Gender and characteristics between different genders are greatly highlighted in the Trojan War, and the Oddysey. In these two myths, women are subordinate to men. For example, in the Trojan War, a woman was viewed as a prize, to win. This is the reason why men had to engage in a contest, for purposes of winning the love of Helen. Furthermore, women did not have a control of their lives, and they always followed the directions of their men. This is in the case of Helen, whom Paris took by force and without her consent, sparking the Trojan War. In Odyssey, this is not the case. This is because Penelope refused to marry her suitors, despite the absence of her husband. She had a control of her life. In the Trojan War, women could act as priestess of the gods. This is the case of Bryseis and Chryseis. In Odyssey, women engaged in the activities of weaving and spinning. Beauty was also an aspect valued in women. This is the case of Helen and Penelope, who were described as beautiful women. Men were supposed to be warriors and strong. Strong and brave men were highly valued amongst the Greek societies. This is because Hector, Achilles and Odysseus were the heroes of the Trojan War. Works Cited: Bird, Caroline. The Trojan Women. Cork: OBERON Books Ltd, 2012. Print. Evslin, Bernard. The Trojan War. New York: Open Road, 2012. Print. Logue, Christopher. War music: an account of books 1-4 and 16-19 of Homers Illiad. University of Chicago Press ed. Chicago, Ill.: University of Chicago Press, 2003. Print. McDevitt, Jack. Odyssey. New York: Ace Books, 2006. Print. Read More