In literature, the concept of a hero is one that has been explored and celebrated for centuries. A hero can be defined as an individual who faces adversity with courage and strength while sacrificing their own needs in order to help others. Heroes are often portrayed as individuals who possess superhuman abilities or qualities, but they can also be ordinary people whose bravery and selflessness have enabled them to rise above their circumstances. No matter what form it takes, the heroic figure remains a popular archetype in literature today.
The idea of heroism dates back to ancient mythology, when heroes were described as larger-than-life figures with extraordinary powers, such as Heracles from Greek mythology or Beowulf from Anglo-Saxon epic poetry. These characters served as moral exemplars by demonstrating courage in the face of danger and using their unique skills to protect those weaker than themselves. Even though modern society no longer relies on mythical creatures for protection, these stories continue to inspire readers because they emphasize values like loyalty, justice, honor, compassion, humility, and perseverance, which remain relevant today.
The development of more realistic protagonists during the Renaissance period shifted focus away from mythological heroes towards real human beings who could relate better to audiences due to shared experiences and emotions. William Shakespeare's works featured complex characters such as Macbeth, who began his journey motivated by ambition only to become consumed by guilt later on after murdering Duncan I; Hamlet's tragic struggle between reason and passion, which ultimately led him down a path of destruction; Othello's descent into jealousy despite being aware that he was acting against his own conscience; Romeo Montague's passionate love affair with Juliet Capulet despite facing opposition from both families due to religious differences—all serve as examples of how flawed yet admirable figures can still evoke admiration among readers without having any special superpowers whatsoever.
More recently, writers have begun exploring different types of heroism beyond traditional archetypes, such as Edward Bloom (Big Fish) trying desperately to cling onto his fading memories before death claims him or Katniss Everdeen (Hunger Games) risking her life multiple times for her family members even when she does not believe herself worthy enough to receive accolades. In this way, authors demonstrate how even "ordinary people doing extraordinary things" are capable of inspiring us through sheer determination and dedication, regardless of whether their efforts are acknowledged.