Comparing The Valliant Little Tailor Vs. Heracles

810 Words2 Pages

Module 7 Essay: Valliant Little Tailor vs. Heracles After reading both The Valliant Little Tailor and Heracles, there were pretty clear similarities, as well as differences. Both of these stories, in my opinion, could be classified as the “trial” pair, as both stories have a series of trials that the protagonist is expected to complete in order to gain something of value. While the trials are approached differently from each character, they are eventually completed, and the reward is obtained. In the story of The Valliant little Tailor, the Tailor is overcome with confidence after swatting, and killing 7 flies. From this confidence, the Tailor leaves his shop and seeks to find work worthy of his valor. He stumbles across two giants at the …show more content…

Upon return to the king, however, the Tailor is not granted his due reward, and is instead asked to complete more trials. The Tailor is instructed to capture a unicorn that roams the forest, as well as a boar that has caused great damage. The Tailor once again employs his wit to acquire both beasts; the unicorn by trapping its horn in a tree, and the boar by trapping it in a chapel window. Finally, when the Tailor returned to the king, he was awarded half of the kingdom, along with the princess’ …show more content…

He was also tasked with the removal of cow dung, where he asked for payment in cattle from Augeias. Augeias agreed to Heracles’ terms, not believing that it would be completed. Much to Augeias’ dismay, Heracles was able to clear the dung. However, when Heracles asked for his share of cattle, he was denied. This is a clear parallel between the stories, as both protagonists were denied that rightful reward at one point. Heracles, having asked for payment, was denied the completion of this trial, and was now expected to complete 12 trials in total. For his ninth trial, Heracles was asked to retrieve the Belt of Hippolyte from the queen of the Amazons. This is also significant because in both stories a belt symbolizes power, to a

Open Document