In comparing the Homer and Mark stories, below, I will assume that the probable oral tradition at the time of Mark had Elpenor moving off to Hades naked. Boston Museum of Fine Arts. See below for full view of vase. Hero prostrates himself, privately makes request of heavenly being. Hero grieves at having to go to the land of the dead.
Author employs irony, having the hero wish for death because of the fear of death.
The hour has come. The young man flees naked. Hero goes to Hades and returns. MacDonald believes Mark uses the young man to foreshadow Jesus' death. The young man symbolizes Jesus, and the loss of his clothes represents Jesus' death.