So I have decided to write a paper exploring the idea of what makes a Hero. It's for my Greek and Roman Mythology class. We had an entire unit dedicated to studying Greek heroes, only I don't know how many of them are actually heroes. So what makes a hero anyway? Some Greek heroes are demi-gods--one of their parents are immortal. Because they are also half mortal, they are deeply flawed. For example Hercules got drunk one night and killed his wife and kids. Odysseus slept with at least 2 Goddesses while his wife Penelope remained faithful to him for 20 years, not knowing if he was dead or alive. Agamemnon, a great Trojan War hero sacrificed his daughter and then brought home the concubine Cassandra as a victory prize. Odysseus is also known for being able to tell great lies...he is a 'speaker of words' as is typical of a Homeric hero. So these great heroes aren't really great people. Sure, Hercules goes into the underworld and brings back Alecestis from the dead, but he also has an extreme appetite for wine and women. Frodo Baggins is a sort of hero, but he's a scrawny wimpy hobbit who is sometimes mean to his friends. Is it the great challenge that he overcomes that makes a man a hero, or is he only a hero if he also lives a life worth exemplifying? Who is the ultimate hero? Are there everyday heroes, and what makes them so? Jesus Christ, half immortal, came to earth and overcame the greatest of all challenges: he suffered for the sins of all mankind. Their are a lot of similiarities between Christ and the Greek heroes, but there is also one giant difference. Christ was perfect. He was faithful, kind, not murderous, disciplined etc. Understandably no one else in the world is perfect, so we can't expect to have other perfect heroes, but should they at least possess good qualities?
Anyway, I'm interested in what everyone thinks, so take my poll (to the right), leave a comment or send me an email....but don't facebook me.
Christmas Quilts 2017
6 years ago
5 comments:
Like you said, if a requirement of being a hero is that you don't do bad things....no heroes will exist (except Christ of course). They become heroes for specific good-brave deeds, even though the person overall is flawed. It seems to me that whether anyone is a hero is subjective. I think if I were to tell someone, "you're my hero", it would be because they have done something that i admire and feel like I couldn't do myself. That inspires me and makes me want to improve or challenge myself in a certain area. But not everyone would consider that person a hero. Like, Hercules is Alecestis hero for sure, but not for any of those other people in the underworld that he didn't save and probably not for someone else who has gone into the underworld and brought someone up.
Anyway, I probably should have emailed this. too long.
I think it is the soft french bread, thick stack of assorted meat, mayo, mustard, vinegar, oil, garden vegetables, and cheese that makes a hero.
Joe
I agree with you and I like what Hannah said as well. Many of the people who I consider heros are deeply flawed, but sometimes I appreciate a hero that isn't super-human. They make me feel like even though I make mistakes it shouldn't stop me from trying to do amazing things.
Joe and I must have commented at the exact same time. I published my comment and looked down to see that I had commented about a sandwich. That was pretty trippy!
Post a Comment