Ancient Heroes Research Paper

When surveying the nature and work of Gilgamesh, Rama and Odysseus, all of them have the main characteristics that qualify them as heroes. These heroes’ were determined to do what was right for their town and their families and were set on following their dreams that they had set for themselves. These heroes were looked up to and respected by the people that surrounded them. They were needed because they gave people something to seek for and provide as a positive figure. A true hero is someone who shows and presents faithful qualities and is a respectful person.

The heroes of today are quite different than those seen as heroes in the past. The heroes of ancient England, Beowulf for example, were war heroes. They achieved glory in battle, through strength. Queen Wealhtheow told Beowulf, “Be acclaimed for strength, for kindly guidance” (1219). While Beowulf was known for his battle prowess, wisdom was important as well. Strength, loyalty, wisdom, and skill in battle were some of the most important values of the time, and these values were represented in their heroes. Our values have changed since ancient times, and because we no longer consider the strongest man a hero, it can seem as if heroes

To be a hero, the most traditional characteristic to have would be strength. Beowulf and Odysseus both have physical strength that has been portrayed throughout both of their stories. Beowulf has a bit of leverage because his strength consists of a remarkable brawn. Beowulf’s strength was shown during the battle with Grendel when Grendel’s arm was ripped completely off to be hung as a trophy of the fight. Odysseus on the other hand, had human strength and mental strength to help him in the many

There are many traits that contribute to being a hero. For instance, a hero needs to be courageous, fearless, daring, brave, educated, compassionate, and has to sacrifice something. Furthermore, these are all mental traits that a hero

To this day, in the 21st century, homo sapiens still write stories about heroes that will save them and society. The number one characteristic that describes a hero is one that has a Stoic sense of duty that can overcome the desire for personal fulfillment. Achilles, Aeneas, and Roland were all created to create personal comfort for their people that lived in such a hectic and dangerous world. These three protagonists who were viewed by their cultures as gods also showed their people that they did portray human characterists (two out of the three even die) and that anyone can be like them if they tried. In a way they were used to inspire their respective residents to be better civilians in their community. If everyone could follow that, than living in a turbulent world would go from reality to

Heroic attributes can be found in the most unexpected places, and in the most normal people. From catastrophes to history to science fiction, heroes are present in all types of life. In order for someone to be a hero, they don't need a costume or a special name, they simply need attributes such as courage, selflessness, and

Some might say that these traits are unnecessary for a hero. They say being a hero merely involves killing a monster or winning a war. Violently, Beowulf slew three beasts. While this may be true, a hero possesses a better character than that. Some might say that to qualify as a hero you must be well known and accepted in society. Unsurprisingly, Beowulf’s fame was very renowned. While this statement is also true, a hero can be someone who nobody knows or somebody that died doing a very heroic action. Therefore, these two arguments are inadequate for the

“…The noble man should either live with honor or die with honor…” These are the words of Sophocles. Words like these are applied to many different stories and even people. Many different traits define the character hero; nobility, perseverance, and strength are a few. Yes, traits such as those a needed, but it makes one think, “what other traits could there be?” A question like this can be answered just by looking a few different tales.

“The nation needs heroes because in a time of war, leadership itself is so critical” (Cannon). Heroes were once ones who were considered big and strong. Now heroes are not always the ones who meet that standard made. They are ones who are behind computer screens making things happen and saving lives. In the story “Beowulf”, the character Beowulf was a legendary hero who later became the king after his father had passed away. He comes to the aid of Hrothgar, the King of Danes when the mead hall was under attack by Grendal. In the second story “The Iliad”, Achilles the son of Peleus and Thetis. He was very independent person fighting for the good in life. He left the control of Agamemnon to create his own army to fight. He was one of the main

“ A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles”(Reeve, Christopher). Every culture in country across the world has their own ideals for what a proper hero should be. Most will say a hero must have these core values compassion, bravery, strength, humility, and integrity. However a person does not always have to possess they traits to be considered a hero. An example of this is an epic hero, these heroes only exist in stories and generally do not possess all of the normal hero qualities. No person could ever be considered an epic hero, due to the complex requirements of one.

They span across various ages and nationalities and might rise from any situation. What mark them as incredible individuals, worthy of being called heroes, are the defining qualities that compel them to rise above the mundane. All heroes require some level of courage and perseverance, as well as the defining trait of a hero: selflessness.

Heroic, Strong, Brave, Confident. A hero is these things and many more. Two heroes who are very alike are Odysseus from the Odyssey and Hercules from the Disney movie Hercules. Not only did they both battle fearsome monsters, they were both working against an angered Greek god and shared many common characteristics. Odysseus and Hercules may have been uncannily alike but in the beginning they had their differences in motive. Although towards the end their purpose became more alike than ever.

Heros today don't need physical strength just a willingness to help someone. In beowulf they call beowulf a hero for killing a monster with his bare hands. This is not relevant today. Some modern heroes can't even walk but can do something as simple as talk to put an impact on someone. I don't think that doing a heroic act does not take effort but just not physical strength.

A hero is a person who is admired or idealized for their courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities. There are heroes all around us each and everyday, and more than we know. They are around us not only physically, but in media as well. In just about every movie that has been produced, there is some sort of hero, or person who risks it all to right a wrong. This “wrong” could be someone stealing, breaking the law, taking something that is rightfully someone else’s, and so on and so forth. With this in mind, the question begging to be asked is what makes these people stand out from the crowd in their heroicness? Is it their rippling muscles and ability to knock out whoever they come into contact with? Is it their honesty and the impenetrable goodness inside of them? Different heros have different qualities about them, but when it’s all said and done, a hero is a hero. Greek Mythology is one time period where heroes played an irreplaceable role. So, what traits made them so awesome? In Homer’s two epics, The Iliad and The Odyssey, Achilles and Odysseus demonstrate similar, as well as very different characteristics.

As a child I loved to read. I liked to read fiction with heroes and nonfiction about those who would risk something to help others. I had many favorite books, but this series remains one of my favorites.