Final answer:
The Odyssey connects to Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings through the epic hero's journey, common themes like friendship and trials, and the celebration of legendary heroes from a bygone golden era. These stories exemplify the timeless 'hero's journey' archetype, illustrating the profound influence of The Odyssey on Western literature and modern epics.
Step-by-step explanation:
- The Odyssey connects to both Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings through various narrative elements and archetypal characters that define the epic hero's journey. In similarities to The Odyssey, the protagonists in Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings also face a multitude of challenges and undergo personal growth. While The Odyssey details the adventure-filled journey of Odysseus after the conflict between the Greeks and the Trojans, Harry Potter depicts the journey of a young wizard facing trials and a path towards maturity, and The Lord of the Rings follows the epic quest of Frodo Baggins to destroy evil in the form of the One Ring.
- All three works feature common themes such as the trial of strength and wit, the importance of loyalty and friendship, and the hero's quest for home or peace. Moreover, they each delve into the archetype of the 'hero's journey,' a concept illustrated by Joseph Campbell in 'The Hero with a Thousand Faces,' evidencing a timeless appeal and universal connection to human storytelling.
- In addition to plot structures and character archetypes, all three stories share a connection with a backstory enriched by a 'golden era' or a time of greater magic and legendary heroes, reflecting Homer's celebration of larger-than-life characters from the past. These connections underscore the profound influence The Odyssey has had on Western literature and its enduring presence in modern epic narratives.