Greek Word Hero Essay

The word ‘hero’ originated from the greek word hḗrō. By definition, a hero is someone who, by other’s opinions, has special achievements, abilities, or personal qualities and is regarded as a role model or ideal (dictionary.com). In comparison between the Greek examples and meaning of hero and the modern meaning and examples they are similar but in the end they are quite different. In Greek mythology a hero is either a person of godlike prowess or an exemplary warrior that achieves success on the battlefield because of their special strength, outstanding courage, or excellent intelligence. Examples of a hero of this time could be Achilles or odysseus. Over time the meaning of hero has changed, but the definition has stayed the same. As of 2017 a hero is someone who is a role model for the youth no matter what or someone who is a savior or has reached more significant goals. Examples of a common hero would be; firefighters, policemen/women, or a parent or guardian that sets a good example. The meaning of hero has changed over the 3000 years between today and then, but I think it has changed for the greater good.

The meaning, however, has changed because a hero in the bronze age was most likely a person of certain favoritism with the gods or a person who was considered a war hero because of their success on the battlefield, while a hero of the 21st century could be a war hero as well however, when most people hear the word hero they would think of a policeman/woman or a firefighter or any person who sets a great example for the youth. In the bronze age it was not a role model that was considered a hero, therefore the meaning of hero has warped to mean someone who is a good person and who achieves greatness, while the definition has not been