AMPHITRYON AND JOSEPH: A POSSIBLE MYTHOLOGICAL COMPARISON

Abstract

The article "Amphitryon and Joseph: A Possible Mythological Comparison" investigates how the figures of Amphitryon, from Greek mythology, and Joseph, in Christian mythology, exemplify adoptive fatherhood in distinct religious contexts. The main objective is to analyze the universal values associated with fatherhood, such as altruism, responsibility, and love, transcending biological ties. The study is justified by offering a contemporary reflection on models of fatherhood in different traditions, contributing to social and academic debates on family and parental care. The theoretical framework includes Jean-Pierre Vernant, who discusses Greek mythology as a cultural expression, and Raymond Brown, who analyzes the theological dimension of Joseph in the Gospels. These authors support the analysis of the narratives and their cultural and symbolic implications. The methodology is qualitative and comparative, based on primary sources such as the Gospels and Apollodorus's "Library of Mythology," along with relevant academic commentary. The results show that despite cultural differences, Amphitryon and Joseph share fundamental characteristics in raising children with extraordinary destinies: courage, resilience, and commitment. While Amphitryon is associated with heroism and divine glory, Joseph represents humility and fidelity. Both demonstrate that the role of a father transcends biology, emphasizing ethical and spiritual values. Thus, these figures remain universal models of fatherhood, relevant both in the past and today.