A Hero : The Challenges Of Being A Hero

In mythology heroes regularly jockey for position to be known as the greatest ever. Edith Hamilton’s Mythology comprises the ancient, mythological short stories of the Greeks and Romans. These stories range from kings and heroes to lost lovers taking their lives. The main focus on the heroes who all partake in glorious adventures and exploits like the robust Hercules or wise Theseus. Yet, what makes a hero stand out is his or her sacrificial courage, god given ability, and selfless morality.

Joseph Campbell, an American writer, once said, “A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.” Acts of heroism are witnessed each and every day, some insignificant, while others more memorable. Present all over the world, individuals are admired for their great bravery, courage, and noble qualities. The Odyssey and the Holy Bible, two distinguished works of literature, clearly elucidate one’s journey to heroic status. Joseph, son of Jacob, and Odysseus, wanax of Ithaca, endure and surmount multiple obstacles in pursuit of fame and glory, with some assistance from divine intervention. It is palpable both possess the courage to face their deepest fears and execute their plans effectively. Despite the

Since long ago, people carried an image of what it means to be a hero. It is evident in some great books one might even say. As in The Epic of Gilgamesh, Antigone, and The Iliad, heroism is displayed and exalted, but what does being a hero mean? Overarchingly, in regards to these works, the heroes earn their titles as heroes by notably doing what is right when the time is right, with humane purpose, and an everlasting message. However, Gilgamesh, Antigone, and Akhilleus, being different in their purposes, everlasting messages, type of heroism as whole, can not compare in regards to heroic status.

A hero can teach many life lessons, morals and various other things. A hero is someone who can be seen as a role model or hope to people. A view of a hero is different to everyone. A hero can save someone from a fire, they can be there to give support or even enlighten people. My heroes may differ from another person writing this same paper. The title hero is given to people for multiple reasons.

Myths consists of many legendary heroes within, but what makes them different from an ordinary person. Many convey that it is not very challenging to be a hero, but wise ones know the struggles of being a hero, which the texts “Theseus” and “The Adventure of Odysseus”, written in the book “Mythology” by Edith Hamilton proves. Heroes may require help from others, but more often than not, they are fearless fighters who do not need the aid of others to be successful. Heroes might easily gain credits for the work of their fellow allies, but that does not mean it is easy to be a hero. A true hero should not be afraid of pain or death just like the great legend Theseus. At the same time, these heroes must be like the extraordinary hero Odysseus, who is successful in his heroic journey.

As Thomas Paine once said, “The real man smiles in trouble, gathers strength from distress, and grows brave by reflection”. Through most recent generations, the word “heroic” is thrown around to a certain extent. At one time, heroes were naturally born into key figures, glorified through fame. Beowulf's’ nobility provides his key success towards being born into a hero. As for Oedipus, he had also been born into aristocracy by his father's legacy. Today’s concept of heroism is a concern for people in need—an involvement to defend a moral cause, the possibility of personal risk, done without the expectation of a reward. [In the fictional myths of both Oedipus the King and Beowulf, eccentric heroes prove their personal necessities in characterizing the importance of a culture; However, the current society’s tragic hero is one that often combats through the fear of bravery and the greater good of others.]

“True heroism consists in rising superior to misfortune.” – Napolean Bonaparte. Every fairy tale or story contains a hero; most kids want to grow up to be that knight in shining armor. Many different people and authors portray the idea of heroism in various manners. John Wyndham in “The Chrysalids,” illustrates heroism in a thought-provoking way. Any hero will be responsible, smart and cautious of their enemies; they make decisions and act on a plan, rather than impulse. Consequently, a hero is a leader, an example. They protect and guard, but they lead and have qualities any person would wish to possess. Finally, all heroes have the ability to resolve and realize that you have to take a life in order to save a million others. Based on this,

Throughout all of history there has been stories and tales about heroic characters saving their societies, or even the world. Over these eras, the way these heroes have been illustrated has changed and been refined by numerous people. These stories are called Hero’s Journey’s. There are three main types of heroes; Epic Hero, Greek Hero, and Shakespearean Heroes. Over time their stories have been twisted and turned in many ways. All of these heroes have many differences and similarities. The Epic Hero being a great warrior while the Greek Hero is civilized and the Shakespearean Hero is more centered on the wellbeing of their people. This shows the evolution of each of these themes throughout time.

The entire question of a how a hero is depicted answers itself in three words, bigger than self. These qualities reveal themselves through difficult times when the individual requires them most. When one connects wisdom from their past and their strength, only then creates a hero. Whether rescuing one from a burning building or leading them to a well-deserved victory at home, both show a hero, no matter the time period. Challenged by antagonists, Odysseus from Homer’s Odyssey acquires the aspects of a hero over the course of the epic poem. After peeling away the layers of capes and medals, the debate remains if one still possess these qualities. An originally seemingly arrogant Odysseus contradicts the stereotypes and creates a new definition

The news often circulates with stories of brilliant firefighters and outstanding soldiers. The media label these people as ‘heroes’. However, the definition of a hero can be very elusive. Many kids believe that heroes have to be athletic and robust, but as they grow up, they realize a hero 's actions and thoughts can be more influential than their physical abilities. It can be difficult to determine what elements make up a hero. However, by examining heroes in different stories, the elements of what makes a hero can become clearer. Classic heroes in The Odyssey can be examined, along with the heroes in Fahrenheit 451 and The Sniper. By taking apart the characteristics and traits of these heroes, a deeper understanding of a hero can be found. Rather than by a character 's physical abilities, a hero can be defined by their displays of courage, determination, humanity, profound changes in personality and behaviour, and a fatal flaw.

It it no surprise that the hero story is present in a variety of the arts ranging from the earliest surviving work of literature, to children’s books, to modern day motion picture masterpieces. The characteristics of a hero have withstood the test of time, and remained remarkably similar. Traits of a modern day hero can be traced back to “The Epic of Gilgamesh” which dates back to two-thousand BC. This reflects the power of a hero and its message that it portrays to audiences of all ages and backgrounds. The ability to capture the attention and resonate with a universal crowd is unique to a hero. That being said, even though there exists a multitude of hero stories, all of heroes in them share a common journey with distinct actions and

The idea of a true hero is varied from person to person, because each viewpoint has a different idea of the personality that makes one a hero. There have been many fiction and non-fiction heroes that show different character traits, which influence people’s definitions of a hero. However, each person’s unique thought about a hero still focuses about one central idea: a hero must prove himself in order to earn his heroic status. This is the cornerstone of all the opinions about heroes because heroes have to show their heroism in order to become who they are in the end. At the beginning they are inexperienced, ordinary people who go on their adventures, and face their fears and weaknesses, but they develop greatly throughout these journeys.

Heroism, observable in one form or another in most literature throughout the history of man, is an important contributor to the social values of mankind. Almost every major civilization has a fabled hero of some sort, for example, the Greek Achilles. Heroes are undoubtedly important, raising the question of what it takes to be a hero, or what values are shared by the heroes of our world. Heroism is in essence acting bravely not to receive fame or fortune, but solely for the welfare of others. Though, without explanation of what it truly means to have each of these qualities, this statement alone is insufficient.

When the word "hero" is spoken, everyone has different thoughts. Some will think of super powers like flying and saving people from villains; while others have a certain person they know or have heard of that come to mind who have done something to make a difference in the lives of others but who is a hero to you? To answer this question you must first ask yourself what a hero is; what comes to your mind when someone says the word. When I am confronted with these questions I always have the same thoughts; smart, strong will power, and someone who stands up for what they believe is right.

In his renowned work, The Hero with a Thousand Faces, Joseph Campbell defined the essential stages of the Heroic Journey, using examples from a wide range of myths and stories. His objective was not only to establish the framework for hero tales, but also to convey why these elements of the monomyth prevail in so many different works. Campbell’s view states that “the hero myth is really written about every human being: we are all heroes struggling to accomplish our adventure” (Whomsley, 185). From this perspective, it seems justified that these patterns continue to appear in so many stories adventure and heroism; we all want our