The Hero In Perseus: A Hero As A Hero

One of the most prominent figures in histories, sagas, and folktales is commonly known as the hero or heroine. Heroes do not possess super powers but instead rely on their own gallant and warrior-like attributes to overcome each obstacle they are faced with. In Greek mythology, the depiction of a hero portrays qualities such as bravery, determination, and sophistication. The hero usually ends up a selfless gentleman with the aggressive, strong-headed attitude and demeanor of a warrior. Many Greek sagas and folktales will include recurring motifs that the traditional Greek heroes reflect. Greek mythology chooses to represent one of these heroes through Perseus, who reflects the typical Greek Hero through his birth, his insuperable obstacles, and his adventures with the divine and monstrous.

Perseus, Argos’ first important hero, follows the structure of a typical Greek hero in that of his unusual birth and childhood. The story of his birth all started with a prophecy. His grandfather Acrisius was king of Argos and had only one child, a daughter named Danaë. An oracle foretold that Dana...