ABSTRACT
In many cultures there are highly appreciated narratives in which two people (lovers, family members, or friends) are separated, or a hero is separated from his community. Overcoming obstacles, they reunite, evoking kama muta in the characters and the audience. The appeal of this plot may account for its ubiquity across history and cultures. Homer’s Odyssey is a classic case; the entire second half of the epic is devoted to recognition reunion events, evoking tears of joy in the reunited pairs.
