Why does the sight of a scar or a limp so often provoke a leader’s fury?
A 16 July 2026 essay looks past swashbuckling myths to find a sharp, uncomfortable parallel between ancient kings and modern politicians. The focus rests on how figures like Odysseus and Donald Trump use words to "disable" their opponents, turning physical traits into markers of weakness. New translations and upcoming films prompt a question: does a leader’s survival often depend on crushing those who cannot keep up? The stories told about human bodies define who is allowed to be a hero.
A comparison of the language used by Donald Trump and the Greek hero Odysseus to mock disabled bodies and claim personal strength. Drawing on Daniel Mendelsohn’s translation of the Odyssey, the author shows how powerful figures define heroism by labeling their opponents as weak or broken. Argues for a reading of ancient myth that includes the point of view of those excluded from the traditional heroic story.
Read at source: Public Books
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