Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Jason Vs. Perseus?

Who is more heroic: Jason or Perseus? Please sight at least one example from our text and use the "heroic code" terminology to defend your claims. Complete this response by 2:30p.m. on Thursday.

18 comments:

Anonymous said...

Perseus is more heroic because Perseus had the misfortune of a hard childhood. He and his mother was cast away. And later on he went on a journey to slay Medusa, one of the most feared creatures. He brought back the head of Medusa.

KendallC2014 said...

I think that Perseus is more heroic than Jason because he upheld the heroic code better than Jason. Perseus completed his quest to bring a gift to someone else, while Jason was consumed with the fame and prizes that came with being a hero. Another one of Jason's flaw was hubris, his excessive pride. Perseus is more noble and selfless than Jason. Perseus had more obstacles to face, such as killing Medusa. Perseus lived a tough life, but the hardships just made him stronger and more determined. In my mind, a hero is supposed to do things for other people. Overall, Perseus is more heroic than Jason because of his selflessness.

Brianc2012 said...

I believe that Perseus was more heroic than Jason because he did not pursue the fame and fortune as much as Jason did. Perseus still wanted to be known for killing Medusa, but with his bravery he could bring a wonderful gift to a wedding, and he did not keep any grand reward for himself. Perseus also led a tougher life before facing Medusa and he led a tougher life then Jason helping Perseus learn how to be strong in the face of danger.

GrantK said...

In my opinion I think it really shows how Perseus is more of a hero because of how he seemed to strive to follow the heroic code more than Jason did. When Perseus goes and kills Medusa it shows how he is a hero and how he is not afraid to die. He took down a very powerful creature while following the heroic code.

JeremyD2013 said...

Between Jason and Perseus, Perseus proves himself much more heroic then Jason because though they both weren't welcome in their homelands Jason seemed to be handed his victory while Perseus earned and worked hard to accomplish his goals. Jason feel into some luck because the gods helped him reach Colchis, land of the golden fleece, and once there Jason also found the key to the rest of his battles. Medea, the kings daughter and a witch, feel in love with him and so she gave him a charm, "... when it was sprinkled on his weapons it would make them as well as himself invincible for a day." and then also took care of the snake protecting the fleece, "The guardian serpent was very terrible, but Medea approached it fearlessly and singing a sweet magical song she charmed it to sleep." After these to events Jason promised he would stand by her forever and she continued to win harsh battles for Jason. Perseus on the other hand told the Bride and Groom that he would bring them Medusa's head and wit two gifts of a sword and shield Perseus finished his quest alone then after.

aaronrog101 said...

Overall, Perseus would be considered more of a hero than Jason because he simply met more of the criteria in the heroic code than Jason. Perseus slayed the hideous monster Medusa and was able to obtain a prize after so fiercely looking for it, he embarked on a great journey to slay Medusa. Which also shows he had arete and had the desire to be recognized. On the other hand, Jason had a problem with hubris and a too big of a want to obtain prizes and fame. A true hero is someone who overcomes something, which Perseus did by coming from nothing and being cast away with his mother, to conquering the feared Medusa, Jason didn't overcome anything. Ultimately, Perseus is more of a hero for having more qualities that pertain to the heroic code than Jason.

Anonymous said...

I think Perseus is more heroic because hes quest wasn't for self gain. Jason's quest was to regain his kingdom while Perseus quest was to save his mother from an evil king. Also the gods smile upon Perseus showing his heroism. The Gods are a pretty good judge of ones character.

Anonymous said...

I believe that Perseus is more heroic than Jason. They both take on incredible challenges and return home with great spoils, but Jason suffers from hubris. Jason goes on his quest so he can claim his throne. Medea helps Jason every step of the way, but Jason turns his back on her once they are out of danger, and even says she should thank him for what he has done. On the other hand, Perseus went on his quest to honor a king with a marvelous wedding gift, then when he returns he uses the head of Medusa to save his mother.

kielyO said...

Between Jason and Perseus based on the heroic code Perseus would be considered more of a hero. Perseus desires to be recongnized and to bring his gift to someone else. Jason was only concerned for himself and his personal desires, and this led to him violating Hubris. Also, perseus lived a tough life, and he is persuing what he does best as a warrior. Jason also was very selfish, as along his quest he lost many of his companions, and he didnt seem to care, and a true hero is supposed commit actions wtih the benifit of others in mind, not just themselves and glory.

Adam L said...

Perseus is more heroic than Jason because his quest is not for personal gain. Jason abuses hubris and seeks self goals. Perseus is impeded by the most evil being, Medusa, risking his life in for the good of others. Jason faces perils on his own accord for a more selfish purpose. Perseus is compassionate and tries to do a quest to suit the need of others. Jason violates the Heroic Code by seeking immortality and wishing to be recognized. Overall, Perseus exhibits more heroic characteristics.

Anonymous said...

In my opinion I think that Perseus was more heroic than Jason because Perseus when out and did something much more dangerous. The quest that he went on to slay Medusa and bring back her head as a gift was much more heroic, where as Jason only set out on his quest to protect and renew his throne. I think it is more heroic for a person to do something dangerous for others, rather than for thier own personal joy.

Anonymous said...
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Anonymous said...

On the thoughts of whose more "heroic", i think Perseus is more heroic then Jason. First of all Perseus had a hard childhood with his mother and becoming an outcast of society. His next and only move as to get noticed as a hero. This was his one ticket to be able to return to society. Perseus had to also try to uphold the heroic code. One of the criteria for becoming a hero is to have a desire to be noticed. On the other hand Jason stuggles with hubris. He has excessive pride without a doubt and this is shown all through the myth. Perseus also had to face tougher obsticals to overcome. He had to actually slay Medusa instead of just throwing a helmat into a crowd on skeletons. His task is much more respecable then Jason's. I do believe that the heroic code is pretty flawed. I don't believe one should have the desire to be seen, they should just be content knowing they have helped somebody else instead of this all for I mentality the Greeks shout out.

Anonymous said...

I believe Perseus is more heroic because he went out and did something that every that no one else was willing to do (kill Medusa) because he had a noble cause to do so. "NO man unaided could kill Medusa." (pg. 149) Perseus was willing to do this for the heroic code part about a heroes quest to be recognized.

Anonymous said...

Perseus is more heroic because his quest is noble and he keeps true to the heroic code. Jason sails for the golden fleece and thanks to the gods Medea the daughter of a brutal king falls in love with Jason. The king wishes to kill Jason violating the guest host relationship Medea gives Jason the tools to defeat all the tests set by her father Jason in return promises her that she will be his bride. But it was not to be Jason leaves and marries another women going back on his words. Medea enraged goes forth and kills his bride to be and vanishes from the world. Comparing the two tales Perseus has the higher values for which in a hero we seek.

Anonymous said...
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maureen said...

I would say Perseus is more heroic based on the low level of pride he had, especially in comparison to Jason. Although they both definitely wanted to be recognized for what they did, Jason wanted a lot more then just being recognized, he also wanted fame. This says a lot because Perseus even underwent a more challenging journey then Jason did. Perseus matches up the heroic code a lot better then Jason.

Jacques said...

Medusa was a rape victim. Poseidon forced himself on her, a mortal in Athena's temple. When Athena saw her temple desecrated, she didn't plot revenge against Poseidon, she punished Medusa, a mortal by turning her into a creature that turned people to stone.

Perseus would have been more heroic in recognizing that she was a victim and requesting her help against the Kraken instead of killing her, although it may have been a mercy of sorts to grant her death. Perseus feat here is tainted for he killed a victim. Perseus may not have known Medusa's back story though.

Jason betrayed a woman who loved him and who did nothing but try to further his cause whereas Perseus took the risk to face a Titan to save his love. On the other hand Jason may have been sickened that Medea fooled Pelias' daughters to cut to pieces Pelias and boil him.