James Carlson #13: Outside Reading: The Odyssey

In reflection of the power of myths’ relevance in Ancient text such as Homers The Odyssey I am reminded of the persistent capacity of story telling within humanity. While it is evident that communication is an imperative mechanic of the human race, I believe its function to be more rudimental and engrained then most give it credit. The enchantment of the Story enraptures listeners in a way that’s almost ineffable. Story transcends reason, or as C.S. Lewis once said, simple excitement. The power of the story resonates within a human being, making them experience emotions in relation to the experiences of the characters. When Odysseus, the protagonist of the Odyssey, adventures onward through a harrowing quest back home, the reader has the empathy necessary to experience the travails of the Greek hero during its delineation.  Story and myth more than take us on adventures, however. The act of storytelling and myth experiencing has been an activity as old as the human species itself.