Characteristics Of An Epic Hero

This is only one of the many definitions of a hero, the Merriam-Webster’s dictionary, for example, defines a hero as “a person who is admired for brave or great acts or fine qualities”. So, how does Yossarian fit into any of these categories? Yossarian is definitely not a mythological or legendary figure often of divine descent endowed with great strength or ability, but he does have some of the qualities in the second definition. He is courageous, brave, and sometimes moral. There are many types of heroes.

In the epic, The Odyssey, written by Homer, a hero quite similar to the ones mentioned before can be seen. He is one of the most remarkable, classic heroes seen in western literature, and he indeed, is the great Odysseus. Several distinguishing traits of Odysseus make him an epic hero, and those traits can even be found in the heroes of today’s world. Throughout the poem, Odysseus establishes traits like determination, courage, and compassion, which prove that he is a true, Homeric hero. Determination is a recognizable heroic trait that Odysseus demonstrates

Who needs a hero? Throughout human existence, societies have always looked upon heroes and champions as a gleam of hope in times of desperation. “Like a champion, like a warrior he will stir up his zeal; with a shout he will raise the battle cry and will triumph over his enemies.” In the Odyssey by Homer the main character Odysseus displays many of the great qualities that define a hero and thus forevermore he has been remembered, honored, and reverend by multitudes as an epic hero. Odysseus’s courageous leadership in time of war, his volatile journey home, his strengths and his flaws, have made him immortal for generations to come. What defines an epic hero?

A epic hero not only succeeds a specific deed, but sacrifices their own personal concerns for a greater good of society. In the book ______ by Edith Hamilton, she wrote about great heroes and their _____ quests. One story of an epic hero, was the story of Theseus and how he became a hero and why he is even considered a epic hero. An epic hero definition in Greek mythology is someone who is brave, courageous, and has their own strengths. Theseus shows a great strength in his story in several different ways.

The Greatest Hero Heroes have been within or myths, stories, and legends since the beginning of civilization, they inspire us, warn us, teach us. Whether heroes exist or not there is a format that many Greek heroes share such as an immortal father, a royal mortal mother,, killing a monster, saving a civilization, marrying a princess, losing the goodwill of men, and immortal fame after death, etc. Among Perseus, Bellerophon, Theseus, Heracles, and Jason who is the ultimate heroine? Theseus is the greatest hero because he fits the Greek type of hero the most with his origins, his accomplishments, and his life after the quest. One of the reasons Theseus is more a hero than Bellerophon or Jason is due to his early years.

Odysseus exhibits all three of these heroic traits. Heroes also are well liked by the people, and Odysseus is well liked by many. An example is in The Odyssey, while Odysseus is explaining himself to the gods; “I am son of Laertes, Odysseus. Men hold me formidable for guile in peace and war; this fame has gone abroad to the sky rim’s.” (Homer.9.145.19-22). This shows that Odysseus is well-known even by the gods because when he said “this fame has gone abroad to the sky rim’s” which is saying his fame has reached the gods.

What makes Beowulf an epic hero? Well, first, Beowulf is the Prince of the Geats, he's a strong warrior who is said to have the strength of 30 men in each hand. Beowulf also possesses the ability to breathe underwater, he is a great warrior in his lands and has earn glory by winning many fights. Although, having inhumane strength and winning many fights does not make you a hero; a hero is a person who can overcome adversities for the sake of others. With this in mind, Beowulf has many outstanding achievements that certainly makes him qualify as a hero.

Several times Odysseus shows contempt towards the mystical creatures that he has to fight against. Throughout the twenty year journey, he shows many moments of great bravery, and heroic actions, which is why he can be considered an epic hero. Here he fits one of the many qualifications of being an epic hero. Odysseus is a fantastic example of an epic hero. Another way that Odysseus proves to be an epic hero, is that he was tempted quite often throughout his

If you were to think about a man with great abilities like being strong, courageous and intelligent, you could think of people you personally or like me, you could think of someone such as Odysseus. Odysseus fits the definition of an epic hero because he is quick thinking, strong and courageous. Odysseus is one quick thinking individual. He has gotten him and his crew out some some sticky situations with his clever plans. One of these plans were how to get away from Polyphemus, a cyclops who was the son of Poseidon.

And during the journey, he begins to become an epic hero. Odysseus fits the description of an epic hero because he had cleverness, exceptional knowledge, and supernatural conflict. The first reason why Odysseus fits the description of an epic hero is because he had cleverness. The first time Odysseus shows that he had cleverness was in the cyclops, Polyphemus adventure.