[zeugma]

I think it is fascinating that this find supports the theory that Odysseus was a real king, not something dreamed up to pass time around a campfire. It has been reported in recent years that Gilgamesh, too, was a historical figure due to finds in Iraq.

I'm happy to know both men lived, and it gives some degree of pleasure to contemplate that their legends have managed to survived the passage of time to our day.

[strategofr]

"I think it is fascinating that this find supports the theory that Odysseus was a real king, not something dreamed up to pass time around a campfire. It has been reported in recent years that Gilgamesh, too, was a historical figure due to finds in Iraq.

I'm happy to know both men lived, and it gives some degree of pleasure to contemplate that their legends have managed to survived the passage of time to our day."

Fascinating yes. Surprising to me, no. I don't know if you know about Colonel Anthony Herbert (Soldier, The Making of Soldier). He was the most decorated American soldier in the Korean War. His career ended in Vietnam, when he was essentially driven out of the military in large part by a set of trumped up charges brought by jealous colleagues (legally, the charges failed). General Westmoreland sued him for $1 million because Herbert called him a liar in reference to body counts (the lawsuit failed.)

If a fictionalized version of this guy survives into the future, it will be as a myth. His story (the combat in Korea) is, in a practical sense, unbelievable. Yet it happened. His story made me realize that there are people who take life to another level. When the area of life is combat, the results are incredible. Hence, the origin of myths, in my opinion.