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How Is Hector's Definition Of An Epic Hero

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A single mother sacrifices her life for her child’s. A fire fighter runs into a burning building to save a dog and her pups. A soldier dies on the battlefield for his country. These people are all examples of heroes. A hero is “a person who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities” (Hero). But an Epic hero is someone who is a larger than life character who represents the standards of a particular society. Usually epic heroes have superior strength, have a great love for their people, and are fearless of death. In Homer’s epic poem The Iliad, the hero, Hector embodies that culture’s ideals of heroism and he would be considered a hero today because of the way he shows courage and bravery for his family …show more content…

A hero could not undergo insults, and felt that he had to defend his name, even if it meant he must die. The job of a hero was to fight, and the only way he would gain fame and immortality was through heroic deeds during war. A hero must also sacrifice being with his family. His duties are focused on for war and only war, if it comes down to it a hero would choose war over family. They were also considered god-like so these characters would have the upmost respect for all gods/goddesses. Heroes feared disgrace and judgment from their community more than anything. It controlled a hero’s response to all situations and judgments. As shown by hector when his says “Now my army’s ruined thanks to my own reckless pride.” (Book 22, line 124) If they were to fail they would not only disgrace themselves but their families as …show more content…

Instead of t we need to turn our attention to the biggest heroes in modern day society- the Firefighters, Military, and even everyday people. These heroes stand up for what they believe in, sacrifice themselves for others, and do it all for little to no money and fame. We also see heroism in children or adults with diseases or fighting a disability. Why are these heroes we may ask? Because they battle with there diseases and disabilities with the upmost joy, day in and day out to remind that no matter how hard life gets we still can fight. In today’s society hector would be considered a hero for the way he puts others before himself, and is willing to die fighting for his family and communities honor. “No man, against my fate, sends me to Hades'. And as for fate, I'm sure no man escapes it, neither a good nor bad man, once he's born” (Book 6). Just like our heroes

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