Week 5 Essay: Mythology Repeats Itself

There is a ton of information out there regarding The Voyages of Sindbad and its correlation to The Odyssey and the stories surrounding Odysseus' adventures as he travels homeward. This essay only has the room and focus for a few instances, but I think these may be the most common, and therefore, I wish to make them known to everyone. Knowing and understanding how various cultural mythologies intersect or borrow from each other is a very important aspect of understanding the importance of mythology in and of itself.

First of all, a key component of both mythologies is the central character. There is little difference between Odysseus from Homer's classic poem, and Sindbad the Sailor. They both rely on their wit to get them out of the inevitable sticky situations...which is rather common for both adventurers. As previously hinted, both characters are technically sailors - though I guess that's kind of debatable with Odysseus. Both have a difficult time with getting older and settling down from the lifestyle they are both used to, as well. Again, many similarities.

On their adventures, they run into similar obstacles. Particularly in Sindbad's third voyage, where he goes to a land filled with giants. These giants, in some instances, have only one eye, and they have a taste for humans. If that isn't comparable to Poseidon's son, the Cyclops, I don't know what is. Also, after escaping the giants, Sindbad and his crew run into a giant snake. This is a little less noticeable, but there is a sea creature that Odysseus must avoid that is made up of several snake heads - similar to that of a Hydra from the stories of Heracles.

Now, again, there are plenty of differances in these stories to make them their own, but if I were a betting man, I would bet on the theory that Sherizade took a couple of ideas from Homer. These, of course, are just my thoughts.

The Sindbad I Grew Up With

 

Author's Note

The story I read this week was The Voyages of Sindbad. Specifically, the Third Voyage. When I was reading this, I couldn't help but think it was the story of Odysseus. The similarities were ridiculous. Now, I hope this essay helps others who read it make some connections of their own.

Week 5 Storytelling: A Pirate's Life for Me

Johnny Longbeard had an ironic name. Johnny was a clean-shaven guy, but the name resonated better than Johnny Nobeard or Johnny Peachfuzz. Plus, when you're a pirate, a name that seems at least mildly threatening is better than being the laughing stock of every port you visit. Johnny Longbeard was no laughing stock.

Some Other Pirate...Johnny Longbeard Isn't Prone to Photos

He and his crew were actually just returning from a recent voyage when they were hearing intriguing stories of an island filled with giant creatures that had tons of gold hidden in their caverns, if anyone was brave enough to seek it out.

This story interested Johnny Longbeard, and he asked to hear more of these giants and this island. However, as time went on, the story seemed less appealing. From the sound of things, the giants were a little too fond of eating people. It's not to say that Johnny was scared. Johnny wasn't scared of anything, but these creatures just sounded a little too much to handle.

"What about all that gold?" one of his crewmen asked. Johnny Longbeard looked him in the eye, pondered a moment, and said, "There are easier, safer ways to get rich. Going to this island sounds too much like a real job."

Author's Note
I love these Sindbad stories and I like how he is basically a pirate...but a hero. Like Jack Sparrow. I wanted to take Sindbad, and make him more American. What's more American than being too lazy to get rich underhanded?

The stories came from The Voyages of Sindbad.

Week 5 Reading Diary: The Voyages of Sindbad

This week, it is time to journey the seven seas...with seven journeys...on seven seas...yes. Sindbad's travels have always been really cool. Plus, as the introduction to the series of stories suggests, I have always thought there was a correlation between Sindbad and Odysseus. Both characters have an arrogant nature about them and are fond of sailing to seek out adventures.

My favorite story regarding Sindbad, so far at least, is his third voyage. This is the island he visits where he is first dealing with the giant bird known as a "roc". However, the roc isn't even the least of his worries, as this island is full of tons of large creatures that make for an interesting adventure. Of course, he eventually comes upon some giants that are not unlike the Cyclops in The Odyssey...I'm just saying. Anyway, this is probably my favorite of the voyages up to this point.

The last voyage is also pretty entertaining. I love how every single voyage starts with Sindbad saying he's never going to travel the seas again, but...and then he's off on another high-seas adventure. This last one starts a little differently to me, it seems. He goes on this trip as a favor for the friend he made in the last voyage.

The best part of this story? The elephants. I love me some elephants. These tales are so exotic and fun that I can't help but love them. If anyone actually reads this diary, please take the time to read these stories. They are absolutely fantastic.