Exile in Mythology “If all the difficulties were known at the beginning of a long journey, most of us would never begin at all” (Travel Quotes ). Exile appears in many forms in Greek and Roman mythology. However, whatever their goal, all Greek and Roman mythological figures realize that the above quote from American journalist Dan Rather is shockingly accurate. As they prepare to begin their ordeal in exile, for some reason they are unable to stay focused on their present, only thinking about their cloudy and uncertain future. These reward-seeking travelers ignore what immediately awaits them, causing them either great trouble or great accomplishment. Despite the dubious reasons why exile is imposed (and sometimes forced) on ignorant characters, they must all submit to this grave and glorious task. In Greek and Roman mythology, many characters in many myths must undergo a period of exile, in order to serve punishment for a wrong they have committed, to complete a task assigned to them, or to earn a reward priceless which represents inestimable value. of great importance to them and to the world around them. One of the most common reasons a character must endure their share of exile is to serve a harsh punishment orchestrated specifically for their crime or mistake. In ancient Greece, exile was the harshest punishment for a crime. “Many crimes involved monetary penalties. The punishment for murder was exile. The fine for rape was 100 coins, and the penalty for theft depended on what was stolen” (First Laws). Obviously, the idea of ​​"exile" was considered a great dishonor and embarrassment within early Greek communities. A more tragic use of this unforgivable medium of mythology, many characters in many myths must embark on a journey of exile, in order to serve punishment for a wrong they have committed, to complete a task that has caused them been entrusted or to win a priceless prize that is of great importance to them and to the world around them. It has been explained in the words above that exile is a necessary component of the lessons of Greek and Roman mythology, in that exile is to be served as a brutal punishment, that it is an honor to stand to be entrusted with a task of great importance, and that winning a priceless prize and having one's name engraved forever is as valuable as achieving immortality. To avoid the uncertainty of exile, in the inspiring words of musician Greg Anderson, we must all “focus on the journey, not the destination.” Joy is not found in completing an activity, but in doing it” (Journey Quotations).