What Makes an Epic Hero Essay - 1823 Words

What is an epic hero? Although we would like to believe that a hero would always be there to save us as needed, that is not always the case. All heroes are different, but what makes them epic? Many would answer that question by saying because they are in an epic poem or story; however, that answer isn’t true. An epic hero, of course is in an epic narrative, but it is what they accomplish in that specific text. First, an epic hero has to make a grand journey and be in the Gods favor or shall we say the chosen one. Also, he has to be seen as superior than any other man. For clarification, the epic hero needs to be bigger, faster, stronger, and wiser than anyone else in the story, except for the Gods of course. Also, and epic hero is also†¦show more content†¦However, his comrades are all relying on this great hero to win the war for them and he does eventually return to the battle field so he can be remembered and obtain glory as does any epic hero secretly wants. The a uthor John Keats agrees with me when he states in his article, â€Å"And he peoples it with towering heroes who thirst for honor and fight shattering wars.† (Keats, John). Another reason that qualifies Achilles as an epic hero is the fact that the Gods favor him throughout the poem because of his close relationship with them, but they usually do what is best for their hero; even if it means doing absolutely nothing, which they eventually do. Achilles is an epic hero that goes on a journey, and although he might not be the greatest hero, he is considered an epic hero. The next epic hero is Odysseus from the epic poem, The Odyssey which was also written by Homer. Odysseus isn’t your average guy, or even your average hero. His long journey begins ten years after the Trojan War starting off trapped on an island with a beautiful goddess. Andrea backs up my statement by asking the question, â€Å"He was sent off to in a land far away. Now the war is over, and he desperately wants to go home. Will the great warrior Odysseus find his way back?† (McAuliff, Coller, Andrea). He longs to journey home, but the goddess won’t let him, for she wants him as her husband;Show MoreRelatedWhat Makes A True Epic Hero?1313 Words   |  6 Pages What makes a true Epic hero? According to â€Å"From Legend to History† the main characteristics of an Epic hero would be that they would be fearless, larger than life, willing to defeat any evil creature and so much more. In the story of Beowulf all of these characteristics come to life in an epic battle with evil creatures in order to save a city and all the citizens inside of it. The story of Beowulf is set two places Geatland and Herot. The story begins long before Beowulf comes into theRead MoreAnalysis Of John Milton s Paradise Lost 1499 Words   |  6 Pageslight in Satan Epic heroism is a category that can pertain to many different subjects considering on what they have done or been through. No matter good, bad, or evil some of these subjects can find a way to make themselves that epic hero that best fits them. An epic hero goes by the definition of, a brave and noble character in an epic poem, admired for great achievements or affected by grand events. This being said can make any possible being, an epic hero if that being has done what is required.Read Morean analysis of the qualifications of an Epic Hero887 Words   |  4 PagesAn epic hero is someone who goes down in history as being brave, courageous, and obviously heroic. They don’t have to be asked to save the day, and often times, they aren’t even saving their own people. 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He or she learns how the underworld helps him to achieve the symbolic death andRead MoreThe Similarities Of An Epic Hero In Beowulf And Iron Man1183 Words   |  5 PagesPeople believe being a hero means saving the world, but that is not always true. In Beowulf and Iron Man, the use of theme and qualities of an epic hero are used to portray that they are similar and different. Three qualities that an epic hero must have are to be courageous, to have superhuman strength, and to be selfless. The theme in Beowulf and Iron Man is triumph because they both overcome challenging obstacles. The theme helps the reader in real life because that person will have to overcomeRead MoreChris Kyle : The Characteristics Of An Epic Hero871 Words   |  4 Pagespeople in the world, but they are never truly recognized as epic heroes. When people hear the word epic hero they think of the ancient warriors of Greece, Rome, and Troy or a story about other fictional persons/ animal s doing amazing things to help people. The veterans around us are the real epic heroes though. They often slip underneath the radar though because it can be hard to recognize someone who is truly humbled by their service. These epic heroes are the ones that willingly leave their familiesRead MoreSundiata Essay971 Words   |  4 Pages Epics Sundiata was written in Africa. Gilgamesh was the oldest one written. Other works include the Iliad and the Odyssey, which were written by the blind prophet Homer. What do all these works of literature have in common with each other? The similarity that all these works of literature have is that they are all epics. What does this mean? What is an epic? The definition of an epic is that an epic is a long, narrative poem with a hero that goes on a quest. What is the hero? Well, the characteristicsRead MoreHeroes and How to Represent Them929 Words   |  4 Pages The word hero is Greek, from a root that means â€Å"to protect and serve†. A hero is someone who is willing to sacrifice his own needs on behalf of others, like a Sheppard who will sacrifice to protect and serve his flock. At the root, the idea of hero is connected with self sacrifice† (Vogler, pg. 29). A hero represents an ego which distinct them from the rest of the human race. The journey of many heroes separates them from a family or tribe. They begin a long journey of only wisdom and power which