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defining a hero
achilles' character in the iliad
achilles character in iliad
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Back in the days of the Odyssey and The Iliad, heroes were classified by their accomplishments. From Odysseus to Achilles, all of the men who were idolized as heroes were so idolized because of their world-altering deeds and conquests, unfathomable wealth, and achievements that would forever be remembered in history. But today, in a world pillaged by war, poverty, controversy, drugs, disease, and economic blunders, who truly deserves to be called a hero? No longer are there titans on the earth, bloodthirsty men with chain mail armor, lances and swords, leading enormous armies into battle. And yet, though circumstances have changed, people haven’t, and the need for heroes, for role models and beings of unfathomable perfection, has not dissipated from society even as the ancient hero has. In America today, the concept of a hero is much different. People in the ancient world were idolized because of inconceivable strength, wealth, or intelligence, however the people that modern Americans admire and model themselves after poses qualities such as selflessness, bravery, and determination that make them true role models. The heroes of ancient Greece were tall, terrible figures of herculean strength and superhuman power. They weren’t thought of as heroes for their personality or character, but for the massive number of soldiers slain in war or one-on-one duels won for their countries. A perfect personification of the ancient hero is Achilles, the protagonist of Homer’s The Iliad. As described in the manuscript, Achilles was the greatest fighter and warrior among the Achaeans. He is an exceptional warrior, and The Iliad is filled with accounts of his victories in battle. Not only that, but he defeats Hector, the leader of the Trojan arm... ... middle of paper ... ...ers, to never take everything for themselves, and to take the nonviolent path to conflict resolution whenever possible. Americans are brought up modeling themselves after people like Wayne Gretzky, and are encouraged to develop the determination, selflessness, and modesty, instead of the athletic ability, that Wayne Gretzky exemplified. The concept of the American hero shows how much society has evolved since ancient times: that society has gone from wanting perfection and wanting it all for themselves, to wanting equality, teamwork, and compromise. Instead of a society of stress, pressure, and hostility, the American today lives in a society where instead of focusing on violence and honor, people focus on loving and caring for others. Heroes in ancient times were famous for the war trophies on their walls: the American hero is famous for the trophies in his heart.
In conclusion, a hero may not measure up to what the public accepts as true, but the nation grants them credit for the country’s success. If the world lacked baristas and other “small” employments, “the right stuff’s” significance would cease to exist. A hero’s accomplishments often overshadow the genuine individual behind the deeds. The Right Stuff by Tom Wolfe illustrates how humans have the tendency to place heroes in a position of high honor and respect, when perhaps these idols do not hold entitlement to the privileges they
Unlike Joseph Campbell, Joseph Loeb and Tom Morris describe heroism as individuals who rise above the universal and altogether concern for the self and rather focus on the needs of others, serving the greater good and being selfless. (11). What made this definition superb compared to Joseph Campbell’s it that is breaks down the stereotypical hero and gives perspective to the everyday heroes. As stated in their work, “what’s so heroic about stopping an armed robbery if your skin is bulletproof and your strength is irresistible by an ordinary, or even extraordinary, street thug? (12). Yes, superhero’s have vulnerabilities within their character, but characters of all genres display tremendous acts of heroism, often overlooked to be considered heroic.
The definition and guidelines for using the term “hero” to describe a person can be as diverse as the land we live in, however, regardless of your cultural identity the shield of “hero” must be earned. It is defined as “a man of distinguished courage or ability, admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities, is regarded as a model or ideal (Dictionary.com, 2014). In Classical Mythology, a hero is “a being of godlike prowess, a warrior of special strength, courage or ability” (Dictionary.com, 2014). This describes how we have portrayed our present day heroes, the pedestal that we put them on, after actions reflecting heroism, have been awarded the title. Difficult to earn, harder to retain, but forever remembered.
The Greeks also had their share of icons and heroes. They admired Jason and his quest for the golden fleece, and Perseus, the killer of Medusa, but their finest heroes come from Homer’s Iliad: Hector and Achilles. Hector was the best warrior in Troy and the son of Priam, the king of Troy. Achilles was the great warrior of the Greek army and killed Hector. The Greek citizens, siding with their own nationality, declared the Greek warrior Achilles the hero of the Trojan War, but since ancient Greece no longer exists an unbiased view of the Ilia...
One can easily be caught up in high action movies, such as Batman, Avatar, or Iron Man. Many children want to be like the heroes in these movies. They dress up to look like them on Halloween. Some even sleep in their favorite hero’s outfit. Unfortunately, today's society has lost the actual meaning of heroism. In an essay titled Hollywood’s Hero Deficit, by James Bowman, the author laments over the loss of genuine heroism. Bowman states that: “Heroism can continue to exist only on a plane far removed from the daily lives of the audience.” True heroes are not violent warriors. They try to do what is right. Heroes, like Odysseus, have a noble quest: to get home. Heroes are clever, not contentious. Today’s view of ‘Heroism’ can only exist in fairy tales, for todays heroes only show bravery through violence. Even worse, these acts of bravery bring happiness to the hero. The pure heroism that comes from moral victories has been missing in today's society for several decades, and has impoverished our society..
To the world today, a hero is someone distinguished by exceptional courage, nobility, or strength; but really, anyone can be a hero. A hero can vary from someone as well-known as George Washington to someone as unheard of as anyone’s very own mother. Someone who has done a good deed for someone else is hero. The biggest heroes are the ones in well-known books and plays, such as Odysseus from The Odyssey, or have made a huge difference in the history of this world, like Mahatma Gandhi. Siddhartha Gautama is a hero, but not in the same way Odysseus or Gandhi are. Although these three influential people went through different journeys in order to accomplish different things, they are all heroes in their own way and have been through the same cycle of the road of trials and crisis/salvation.
A hero is characterized as any person who is admired for their courage or achievements, thus serving as a model. Some other characteristics associated with a hero are bravery and daring. It is the manner of facing and dealing with anything that is recognized as dangerous, difficult, or painful that further defines a hero.
Other than my parents, I have never had a tangible hero. My idols were television characters and people I read about in history textbooks. My definition was widened to include the fact that heroes not only save people in the traditional sense, but they also help people by bettering their lives. Not all heroes have to overcome remarkable odds. I was too focused on the danger that the hero faced instead of the impact made or character exhibited. Some heroes are not in any eminent danger, but are rather defined by their great sacrifices or great spirit. Those I presented as evidence to support my definition were people who performed extraordinary acts in extraordinary circumstances. Not all heroes accomplish such grand deeds, some only affect a small community but are nonetheless heroes. The event that caused the disturbance that led to such a major change in meaning was a presentation by Chayla Steele, a classmate whose brother had cancer. Her message resonated with me and led me to contemplate the existence of a hero that does not endanger themselves, but rather provides hope to
What is a hero? Google defines a hero as someone who, “a person who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities.” This obviously makes sense, right? A hero should be larger than life, right? Well, my is certainly all of those things, and on top of it a problem solver. You see there was a problem in Cleveland, no championships had been won for over 40 years. Then, in 2003, the year I was born, the solution entered the NBA draft. In the words of David Stern, the commissioner of the NBA, “With the first overall pick in the 2003 draft, the Cleveland Cavaliers select LeBron James.” That was when the story of my hero started.
In this day and time how do we give someone that name plate of being a hero? Most would say by saving the world or something of that nature. To most people a hero has to be someone that is braver than the rest. However, a hero can be someone with special achievements, abilities, or personal qualities. In my opinion, there are certain heroic traits that you have to have to be define as a hero.
The American culture’s figure of a hero embodies the qualities of the ideal citizen, qualities that are brought to the spotlight through extraordinary performance in battle, business, politics, sports, science, or fiction (Encyclopedia of American Studies). When asking someone of the
There is another type of hero that almost no one is aware of. In the poorest areas of the country, live mostly minorities and other ethic background. All their lives they’ve been expected to work harder and expected not succeed in life. Some individuals living in poverty with a determination to succeed work hard all of their lives to become what everybody doubted they could. Escaping the crime, drugs, and prostitution is enough to escape hell, even if they don’t go to college. Despite of their financial problems, drug and crime surroundings, or difficulties in the language skills, their desire to triumph fuels their persistence. Those who make it to success are the few living examples of the purest form of hero anyone can be. They are not only their own heroes but also the heroes of the poor children who dream of becoming like them someday.
“A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles” (Christopher Reeve). There are several different definitions of a hero, and people have various opinions of what considers someone to uphold this title. Everyone has their own thoughts on who is a hero and what makes them a hero. What really is a hero? I believe that a hero is someone who possesses bravery, courage, selflessness, and respect, where he or she uses those traits to impact other’s lives in an unforgettable way.
...elves for it. Heroes solely endanger their life so others would have the opportunity to live. Without these people, our society would possess minimum optimism and motivation to do the same for others. The well respected Martin Luther King accepted the burden of being a leader, even at frustrating times. Similarly, the teenage Aris Canoy Espinosa chose to give his life so the other children would live. They both demonstrated characteristics of a true hero. Unlike Melba Pattillo Beals who protested for equal right, her degree of her bravery wasn’t as significant because she didn’t devote herself to others. We can never have enough admiration for those who have simply dedicated themselves to us. Hence, traits of a true hero are determined by the altruistic acts of the individual as well as their ability to give up so much of their life so others would live a good one.
Heroism can be found in everyone. In anything. Heroism can be in any form, in any way. Everyone has a hero, and everyone is a hero. A hero has been expounded in different varieties. Many people search for a hero for their entire lives, but a hero can just be right in front of them. Heroism can be seen within an act, a phrase, or a feeling. A hero can force many people to do the better, for them, and everyone surrounding their life. Everyone has different variations of a hero, some people have the same hero. A hero might not be the highest one of all, but they are something that touches your heart. A hero is someone who comes back and comforts you, who fights through every obstacle to achieve their goal and yours, and who faces their own challenges for the better.