The film “300” depicts a variety of contemporary themes such as brotherhood, betrayal, honor, integrity, and the like. Above all, “300” follows the cultural truth-value of fulfilling one’s own destiny along with illuminating the ideology of a modern day “kleos” myth. King Leonidas, along with the 300 Spartans illustrate these cultural truth-values through their altercation with King Xerxes I and his Persian Empire. We view similar concepts in “The Odyssey”, as well as other classical mythology works.
There are many examples in “300” where the Spartans express a common theme of fulfilling their fate no matter the cost. A case in point is during the first half of the film when Leonidas blatantly slaughters Xerxes’s messenger. Thus, starting a war and …show more content…
In other words, what people say about you. “Classical Mythology” discusses how the saga of the Argonauts includes many of the leading Greek heroes of the age before the Trojan War. For instance, people such as Orpheus and Hercules who portray courage, strength, and the like. Similarly, the Spartans exemplify many instances of “kleos”. They do what will bring themselves honor, glory, and a positive reputation. For example, there is a scene towards the conclusion of the film where the Spartans are surrounded by the Xerxes’s army and Leonidas is faced to make a split decision between having the Spartans life spared if he bows down to Xerxes or be killed. However, he thinks of a nostos moment being together with his wife and kids and in a heavenly place and takes a spear to the side of Xerxes’s right cheek. The Spartans receive “kleos” in this moment since they ended up dying fighting for their principles regarding honor and integrity. They not only made history, but also a legendary reputation for themselves. In addition, they fulfill what they are taught at a young age with is how death in the battlefield is the greatest glory anyone can