Mythology Essay No. 2 Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Mythology No. 2 - Essay Example Based on his genealogy, Theseus may be classified as a demigod. Aegeus, the King of Athens, unable to bear any children was later secretly married to Aethra and of this marriage, Theseus was born. Theseus was however raised by her mother and would later claim his birthright after going through various challenges and battles. Based on his actions, he may however be considered an epic or a journeying hero (Myths Encyclopedia â€Å"Go-Hi†). Epic or journeying heroes are heroes who are on quests and who go through various heroic battles and journeys. In fact, Greek mythology is riddled with heroes of this type, and Theseus is certainly one of them. He was on his way to claim his birthright when along the way he fought many battles; many of those he battled were actually considered ‘bad’ guys in the contemporary sense. He killed Sinis, the Pine Bender who tore his victims apart by tying them between two pine trees; he killed Sciron who had a habit of kicking his guests to sea while they were washing his feet; he also killed Cercyon, who was known for wrestling with strangers; and he battled many other foes on his way to Athens and these enemies were often known for their foul deeds towards other people (Britannica Encyclopedia â€Å"History and Society†). Theseus possessed many good points in his favor. First and foremost, in order to be a worthy king, or at the very least, a worthy heir to a kingdom, he knew that he had to prove himself worthy. He could have taken a safer route to Athens as advised by his grandfather Pittheus, however, he chose to use the more dangerous road (Godwin, p. 255). In the process, he left his mother’s and grandfather’s kingdom a boy, and he arrived in Athens a man. He gave himself enough battle experience and enough physical and mental cunning in order to claim his rightful place amidst the various threats and claims to his father’s throne. Upon