While once the words “Hero” and “Heroin” typically referred to the classic hero's such as Achilles, Gilgamesh, and , who were some nothing shy of demigods, the definition has however grown to encompass a much broader description. This evolution of the meaning of being a hero into one who is virtuous as opposed to the more prevalent hero of war has progressed through the years. In the patriarchal societies of the ancient world the “Hero” oft had many virtuous qualities, but along with those came a darker side, a trickster facade, especially seen in the male deities, that exemplified that they too possessed many less virtuous qualities. In the Greek and Roman patriarchal societies the male gods and hero's were often promiscuous, short-tempered, devious, and, or, dishonest. Often the “Hero's” of classic mythology projected “trickster” qualities which were not always looked down on as a weakness, just simply a facet to their personalities. In Homer's Iliad, the protagonist, Achilles, was prone to fits of rage, epitomized in the abundance of jealousy and pettiness felt over the dishonor and indignity of losing his war prize, Briseis to Agamemnon. Achilles' anger at the loss of Briseis was enough that he withdrew his men from battle, and began preparations to withdraw completely and return home. It is ultimately his rage and hubris that lead to his death. As with most stories of a hero's quest the protagonist is often described in detail at the beginning of the story to be differentiated in some way from the extraneous players. This essential individuality often comes in the form of nobility, supernatural abilities, elevated intelligence, supreme prowess in battle, or a combination of these traits. The hero's back-story often sets them apart from other characters, this history often lends to the understanding of the hero’s initial state of mind, and their personal or cultural values. A hero may have always been a hero, or have a villainous past, faced some great strife in their upbringing, been swaddled in the finest silks of china, or have an illustrious divine ancestry. Their background often lends direction, perspective, or a specific skill to aide the protagonist in their quest or to humanize the protagonist for the readers benefit in identifying with the hero. While these romanticized story's from antiquity hardly provide a moral compass, it is often the result of these myths that some lesson could be derived and therefore passed on through the retelling of surviving myths from generation to generation, serving to improve the quality of life through education while being entertained. My personal definition of a hero, while it shares many of the qualities of the hero's and heroin's of antiquity primarily draws from what would be considered a definition stemming from around 400C.E Europe just prior to the early Middle Ages that developed through the High Middle Ages. Digby's definition of chivalry is a shining example of the virtues I think every hero should possess: “Chivalry is only a name for that general spirit or state of mind which disposes men to heroic actions, and keeps them conversant with all that is beautiful and sublime in the intellectual and moral world.”
During this time Chivalry provided a code of conduct for Knights. Heroic chivalry could be decomposed into three primary areas of duty, duties to countrymen and fellow Christians which consisted of showing mercy, courage, valor, fairness in everyday interactions while, providing protection to the weak and poor. Duties to your fellow man also included a willingness to risk ones own safety or and be willing to lay down ones life to protect another. The virtues of a chivalrous hero in Sir Gawain in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight personifies this idea of the moral
Natty Bumppo: An American Hero Today we name countless heroes, Superman, Batman, and superman are all based off of Natty Bumppo’s heroic character. When creating the film “The Last Of ThH Mohicans”, James Fenimore Cooper defines the American hero through his depiction of Natty Bumppo. The American hero is a brave, naive, and unsophisticated character of nature. Throughout the film Natty Bumppo, also known as Hawkeye, demonstrates the various traits of an American hero. The numerous traits that…
the story, Grendel is devastating King Hrothgar’s mead hall in the Heorot, so Beowulf and his men are called over from the land of the Geats to help protect the mead hall against Grendel. In the view of the coast-guard, Beowulf’s position is like a hero. “ People from Geatland have put ashore. They have saied far over the wide sea. They call the chief in charge of their band by the name of Beowulf. They beg, my lord, an audience with you, exchange of words and formal greeting. Most gracious Hrothgar…
becomes language of streets because the AS becomes lower class * No clear date or event for when transition from middle English to modern English * Significant even distinguishing middle from modern is the great vowel shift * AS cherished heroism * Clan/family driven lifestyle * Earl is the name for the head of the clan * Second’s in command of clans were called thanes * Battle is one of the most important ways of life for AS * Much of the literature we have of that day…
In my opinion Shakespeare structures the play to make the audience see Macbeth transforming from a hero into a villain, we can also see how Macbeth’s character transfigures from a valiant, noble soldier to a deceitful traitor. Shakespeare exhibits Macbeth as being heroic both at the prelude and the climax of the play by portraying him as…
A Dilemma and My Solution Based On Utilitarianism Ethical Model (Assignment # 1) Prepared by : Efren A. Course-Section : GNED212-091 Instructor : Mr. Paul B. Class : Friday Afternoons Part 1: Utilitarianism Ethical Model Many people from all walks of life have trouble making decisions in their everyday lives, especially on tough or critical situations that may even involve life and death considerations. To address this issue, there are four ethical models and four ethical…
Possible Essay Questions: 1. Consider the imagery used in Shakespeare’s assigned sonnets, Herrick’s “To the Virgins,” and Marvell’s “To His Coy Mistress.” Although their images differ, what do all these poets seem to be saying about time? Be specific when referring to the poems. The imagery is very different, but all of the poems and poets seem to be saying time is important in life. In Shakespeare’s Sonnet 18 he says, “And every fair from fair sometime declines,” when explaining the inevitable…
Iliad and Odyssey first epic poems passed down • Iliad=Epic poem about the Trojan War but really about Achilles is like the war hero (Paris=prince of Troy) • Trojan War=Paris kidnaps Helen, wife of King of Sparta. Agamemnon Helens brother in law gets very mad and attacks troy with Achilles who was a great warrior • Odyssey=Epic romance about Odysseus journeys-virtue is a better policy than vice • Iliad and odyssey both describe social conditions of the Dark Age • Iliad and Odysseus were basic…