Theseus Or Hercules? :: essays research papers

Theseus or Hercules?     Theseus is most worthy of emulation. He was a dandy hero in capital of Greece."Theseus was, of course bravest of the brave as whole heroes are, but unlike the new(prenominal) heroes he was as compassionate as he was brave." (p. 159). Theseus alsowas a man of bravery, intellect and bodily strength. Hercules on the other handwas what all Greece except Athens most admired. He was very strong but wasnttoo smart. Hercules never thought of the consequences that his actions would find about before he followed through with them.     First, Theseus was very strong. He fought many a(prenominal) terrible horrendousmonsters such as the Minotaur, "..a monster, half bull, half human.." (p.151),and went on many great ventures such as the Quest for the Golden Fleece. Theseusshowed his great strength in adventures such as the one with the Minotaur.Hercules was also mired in many great adventures in which his great s trengthwas sh take in. Hercules was much(prenominal) stronger than Theseus, but Theseus made up forthis small loss in other ways.     Second, Theseus was very smart. Because of his great intellect theAthenians, people who valued thought and ideas, chose him and not Hercules astheir hero. Theseus escaped from the Labyrinth and killed the Minotaur. Neitherof these tasks were easy and required individual with aptitude unlike Hercules.Theseus always thought things through and made dangerous decisions. Herculesfoolishness was shown on many occasions such as when he killed his family andhis music teacher. Theseus intellect is one very valuable quality which makeshim much worthy of emulation.     Third, Theseus was very brave. In fact he went on so many greatexcursions that a saying grew up in Athens "Nothing without Theseus" (p. 149).When it was time for Theseus to seek his father he would not go by water " ButTheseus refused to go b y water because the expedition was safe and easy." (p. 149).Theseus insisted to take the way by land. His idea was to become a hero asquickly as possible, and he accomplished his terminal by ridding the land of all thebanns to travelers on his way to find his father. Theseus had many otheradventures. He was on the Argo, in the Caledonian hunt, as well as many others.Hercules also had many adventures but his were often the result of his own