Paper short abstract:

The paper deals with the metaphorical meaning of water as the demarcation line between two worlds in myths and literature.

Paper long abstract:

The paper deals with the metaphorical meaning of water stripes as the demarcation lines between two worlds in myths and literature. They play an important role in the creation of figures of symbolic value, such as heroes, liberators and messiahs and gods.It is assumed that the ocean was primarily perceived as the border of the world of humans separating it from a mysterious omnipotent power. It analyzes "water" in the journey of Odysseus as the space that turns him into the hero who re-establishes the glory of his birthplace. A parallel with the story of Beowulf confirms the idea of "water stripes" as the symbols of border lines between unfair suffering and miraculous liberation.The departing of the Red Sea in the Old Testament story confirms the "magic" significance of water as an agent in the struggle between slavery and social welfare. In more recent historical times "ocean stories" continue, with less metaphysical moments,to maintain their mediating role in the difficult path of humans to happiness, as for example in the case of the Americas as a new land of opportunity for people coming from across the "stripe of water". All of the above is taken as an evidence for the power of water into create narratives of hope,justice,freedom and happiness in human consciousness