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The Meaning of a Hero

Introduction

Various sources describe and ascribe different annotations to the meaning of the word 'Hero'. For many this word may represent an individual who had championed others liking for them. This may include those individuals who are selfless and have performed extra ordinary deed of kindness or bravery.

On the other hand, this word may also subscribe the meaning, of an individual's personality and character that is incomparable and unparallel to no one else. Conversely, in mediocre terms a Hero can also be noted as the main character of a movie.

Although, it is pertinent to note that the usual character attributes associated with a hero are mainly positive and represents ideals such as 'the person who saved the day', who resolves and represents the majority's views or those sections of the society that may not be receiving a fair treatment by the other larger segment of their society.

This paper discusses the two popular mythical characters or heroes, namely Achilles in comparison with Odysseus, in light of their relationship and services towards the people of their time.

Discussion

To begin this section, it is only prudent that a formal description of the meaning of Hero is given. According to the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary defines hero as a legendary or mythological figure or character with most often a divine endowment or descent. These particular legendary figures have many unique talents and great strength and agility. Similarly, a hero can also be connoted as a warrior who have shown great courage and like mentioned before, a hero can be the principal male character in a movie or in other types of literary works (www.merriam-webster.com).

Although, other sources share almost the same description explaining about heroes, but Bernstein (2002) comments that every normal or ordinary individual with rational mental processes have had, while growing up, his or her favorite heroes. This could be the Superman, Batman, a Disney Princess or the brave and chivalrous The Three Musketeers. For individuals, no one hero can maintain its high disposition in someone eyes for long, as for an individual the roles that consider someone as a hero, tend to change, with time. Thus, it is most likely that a person whose Hero was Superman when they were five years old, may consider Nelson Mandela to be their hero at the age of sixteen.

Aristotle is one of the most legendary philosophers and scientists of all time. According to him, a hero is the one who is of a noble stature who possess outstanding greatness and quality about him, that he sees no fear in sacrificing his own self for the good of the others. Moreover, Aristotle has said that those men who do not have the capability to work in unison and peace and think themselves as boastful and self-sufficient have no right to live and thrive in any community.

Achilles

Achilles is one of the most popular Greek mythological characters of all time. Largely known for his vulnerable 'Foot Heel', that had brought ...