Heroism is a trait that is valued in arguably almost every society. From ancient Greece to modern day America, heroes are praised for their actions and honored in their communities. While heroism has remained an honorable thing, our ideas of what constitute heroism have changed since Homeric times. While who we consider a hero is more personal, societal ideas of heroism are different. Everyone has their personal heroes, children often view their parents as heroes, and people even view their favorite musicians and actors as their heroes. But from a societal perception, there are certain actions that qualify someone as being a hero. Heroism often requires some sort of service that is viewed as benefiting the people. This applies to people such as firefighters, paramedics, and police officers. But more commonly viewed as a platform of heroism is through military service. Often soldiers are who we consider heroes, those we view as fighting for our nation in war. As a society we put even more emphasis on those who go above and beyond, or complete special missions viewed as important to the war. This modern standard for heroism is similar to how heroes were classified in Homer’s stories. Some of the greatest heroes in Homeric stories are Achilles and Odysseus. Considered heroes in the Trojan War, both men have their aristeia in the Iliad, proving their tenacity in battle and worthiness of their title of hero. Achilles goes on a rampage, killing Trojans and throwing them into the river (p. 199-200). This merciless fighting, his effectiveness in battle, is what makes him so significant in the war, and what makes him a hero. Another similarity between Homeric heroism and modern heroism, is that who is considered a hero is very subjective. While U.S. soldiers may be considered heroes by Americans, those in the Middle East directly in contact with war and the U.S. military likely have an entirely different perspective. Soldiers’ actions won’t be viewed as heroic, but as barbaric instead. Similarly, while Achaeans view Achilles as a brave and heroic, when he wages his aristeia on the Trojans it’s unlikely they feel the same. Hector, one of the strongest soldiers in the Trojan army,
A hero is defined as someone who in the face of danger steps up and puts others needs before theirs, expecting no reward in return. In the article “What Makes a Hero?” by Phillip Zimbardo, the author expresses that everyone has the ability to help others, whether it is a small deed like leading a guiding hand to someone who needs it, or it can be as intense as pulling someone out of a burning car. The writer attempts to emphasize the importance of doing the right thing by stating, “Few people do evil and fewer act heroically.” (Zimbardo). In addition, heroes act not for the fame or the money, but for their own satisfaction. Knowing they helped save a life is all the reward they could ever want. “The key to heroism is a concern for other people
Many heroes exists in todays world. Some are just fictional but the real ones are the ones worth mentioning. A true hero is a person who is willing to sacrifice everything for the well being of others. they're giving personalities cause them to give everything they can to help others. They are constantly in a race to fight for something beneficial to all.
Heroes are selfless and put others before themselves in dangerous situations. Such as on 9/11, when a call was given out for boats to come rescue people off the island of Manhattan, where the terror attacks happened, as pictured in “Boatlift” Vincent Ardillo after hearing the news told his wife, “I gotta do something.” This represents heroism because Ardillo is not thinking of how he will be impacted, but rather of the people who need help, as many other people with access to a boat did as well. Also, Ardillo could have stayed home and been safe, but chose to sacrifice his well being and comfort for others. Another hero would be Clara Barton, the founder of the Red Cross, as Barton declared in a Civil War speech “I may be compelled to face danger, but never fear it, and while our soldiers can stand and fight, I can stand and feed and nurse them.” Barton distinguishes she could be hurt while helping the soldiers, however she does not dwell on the fact, deciding instead to carry on and make a difference despite the threat to health. This is heroic because Barton is putting others who cannot care for themselves and acknowledges she could be hurt, but does not let that get in the way of her reaching her goals. To sum up, heroes are everyday people who go out of their way to help others in need without the thought of payment.
In the Greek epic, The Iliad, Homer describes the siege and capture of the ancient city of Troy by Achilles and the Achaean warriors. Achilles, being a fearless fighter, defeated many throughout his battles against the Trojan army, including the brave-hearted Hector during the invasion of Troy. Though Achilles has been given the title of the hero of the Trojan War, many historians believe that Hector was a greater hero than Achilles. When comparing the characteristics of an epic hero such as being a national hero and having supernatural abilities, Hector clearly surpasses Achilles. In this essay, the argument will be supported through the context of the heroic personas revealed by the warriors and the non-heroic qualities that dishonored
Heroes are viewed differently today as the average person who is admired for courage or outstanding achievements such as firemen and police officers. The ancient Greeks viewed heroes as those that acquire more than just courage, they must be strong and inspiring as well. Although Achilles proved to be several of these entities, the Iliad begins with
The trait of heroism is something that has changed over thousands of years. Today’s heros have different traits than those heroes of the Trojan War. However, a few have survived the test of time. Many of modern day heroes, as well as past heroes, do hold these long enduring traits, like Nelson Mandela, Marcus Luttrell, Louis Zamperini, and the fictional Iron Man. Odysseus, the main character in The Odyssey by Homer, portrays the traits necessary to be dubbed a hero. One is a hero if he or she shows leadership, bravery, resilience, and creativity throughout their actions.
Being a legitimate hero is not all about having the extraordinary supernatural powers commonly seen on television. Heroes are people who aid others, often putting themselves at risk to do so. They made the decision to fight, not necessarily physically, for their values. Odysseus, the main character in The Odyssey, should be considered a hero. He put his own life in jeopardy to protect his men from the supernatural threats that they faced throughout their journey. Odysseus should be regarded as a hero because he is brave, clever, and cautious.
In most stories the typical hero is a person who is selfless, strong, uses their power, if any, to help others, and are usually nice and humble. Greek heroes however tend to vary in comparison. For instance, in the Iliad by Homer, the Greek hero Achilles is very strong and well loved, but he only fights in battles to gain personal glory, not to help others however, he is still a hero nonetheless. The ideal of heroism fluctuates between cultures, therefore the notions of heroism set forth can be contradicting. The heroes in the short stories Theseus retold by Robert Graves and The White Snake by the Grimm brothers show similar and dissimilar traits in both character, and the concept of heroism; but, both of the main characters are still considered heros.
The definition of a hero is unique for every individual; however there are several regulations that majority of individuals can agree on. A hero must exhibit traits such as humility, kindness, and courage. Once the candidate expresses hubris, displays cruelty, or retreats from a formidable challenge, he cannot be considered a hero. Lastly, a hero candidate must overcome challenges that defy the odds. He must deliver a gift to society that benefits society as a whole; such gifts can be freedom, liberty, or hope. Odysseus in The Odyssey, by Homer, fulfilled these requirements and rightfully earned the title of a hero. Odysseus is well deserving of the title hero because he has put the needs of others before his own, shown signs of
The definition of a hero has evolved over time through both written word and human experiences, so what is a hero? In the two epic passages "The Epic of Gilgamesh" and Homer's "Odyssey", "heroism" appears to be a clear distinction with the literature, and has the same basic framework as today’s definition of a hero. Historically, in the texts, heroes such as Gilgamesh and Odysseus are protagonists viewed and credited with great bravery and most certainly heroism. Nearly all of the heroic figures throughout time, both fictitious and living and are viewed as a protagonist in their own epic challenge or struggle when looked back upon. Though many core elements of histories hero are found in today’s and it is epic passages such as Odysseus and Gilgamesh that have played a part in shaping the characteristics and actions that shape today’s qualities of a modern hero.
Heroism can be defined a courageous act or great bravery. It can come from any individual, one does not have to be special or have a heroic moment. He/she may consider an individual like a parent, family member or friend a hero. Others may see policeman, firefighters, paramedics and our military to be our heroes. Altruism can be a synonym for heroism, as the reaction of risking your life to save another. The one, to help another without expecting anything in return, displays heroism.
Heroes are those who have gone above what the average person would do to ensure the welfare of others. Natural disasters, terrorism, poverty, and war are some of the many things that destroy and end people’s lives. Throughout history, many people have made a difference. However, as history progresses, what we consider to be socially normal changes along with our definition of a hero. In Ancient Greece, Theseus, Hercules, and Perseus were considered heroes, but today only Theseus and Perseus would be considered heroes because Hercules would be shunned by society.
The word heroism brings to mind different things to different people. This is because people tend to have different concepts of heroism and what it means. The definition of heroism has changed a lot since ancient times and will continue to change. Despite these changes, there are a few things about heroes that will never change. A hero can be described as a person who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities. Both ancient and modern day heroes are idealized for possessing these traits. Heroes, no matter from what time period, will always be powerful, strong, brave, and valued.
What is heroism? Things preformed Superman, Batman, or The Flash? This is what most people think about when they hear the word hero or heroism. Although these characters show heroism, the definition of heroism does not have to be narrowed to the stereotypical hero. Many people have different concepts on heroism. A hero can be a ordinary person like a firefighter or cop. Heroism is a attribute that a person can obtain but they have to choose actions that help others like a fearless firefighter or cop helping others. Heroism also does not call for a reward for being heroic. Heroism is a quality or an act in all of us that a person uses to benefit for the good of other people even if there is a risk.
In the Iliad there are many characters that could be considered heroic. But the two main characters that stand out as heroes to me are swift-footed Achilles and flashing-helmet Hector. Numerous times throughout the epic they display qualities and traits that are unsurpassed by anyone on their side. Many times throughout the epic Achilles and Hector are tested for their strength, and will to win in battle, which for both warriors always ends up positive because they always win their battles. Although both fighters are among the elite status in the armies, they each show human and god-like qualities that help them be as a fierce and feared as possible.