Hercules: The Qualities Of An Epic Hero

Many know about the idea of the "monomyth," or the hero's journey as an outline for many of our modern books, movies, t.v. series, etc. Joseph Campbell's definition for the hero's journey is, "the quintessential (or best example) of an archetypal myth. " The Disney film Hercules is one of the best examples of Joseph Campbell's monomyth. For instance step one of the hero's journey outline is the Ordinary world. Hercules was born the son to Zeus and Hero.

An epic hero is someone who is brave, noble and will fight for a certain goal. An epic hero must be able to risk his life for others and is humble. In Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope by George Lucas, there is a kid named Luke Skywalker who helps Princess Leia destroy the deathstar. In the story of Homerś The Odyssey, it is about a man named Odysseus, who is punished a long journey home.

An epic hero is defined as “a larger-than-life character, traditionally a man, who pursues long and dangerous adventures. Alternately aided and blocked by the gods, he carries the fate of his people on his shoulders. The epic hero is an archetypal character found in works across time and cultures. Odysseus, one of the most famous heroes in Western culture, has shaped our ideas about the traits that a hero should have.” (Orange Literature Textbook Page 1103).

An epic hero is an ordinary individual who finds strength to endure overwhelming obstacles. In Edith Hamilton’s Mythology, three heros named Perseus, Theseus, and Hercules exhibit different traits that affect their journey in a positive or negative way. Perseus receives supernatural help, Theseus displays incredible strength, and Hercules has a fatal flaw that will end tragically, these qualities are what classify each as an epic hero.

In the Greek myths, Hercules displays a mixed personality. Generally, a good hero noted for his strength and his bravery, he also is seen as a disability wanton rages and excessive self-confidence. In the Greek myths, Hercules is shown with mixed personality traits. Hercules is known for his superhuman strength and bravery, but also for his wanton rages and excessive self-confidence. Hercules demonstrates the extreme wanton behavior.

Hercules the greek hero's endeavours have been rewritten time and time again. Hercules has made a wrong, he is trying to make it right and find peace and serenity within himself again. Hercules’ quest,fear,dragon,task,and virtue have differed depending on what story has been written about him. The contrast between a myth of hercules and a movie of hercules is fairly different about his personality.

During Hercules time period in mythology he has shown hero qualities. Hercules mindset was only focused on the positives "throughout his life Hercules had this perfect confidence that no matter who was against him he could never be defeated. " Hercules shows confidence because he's not thinking about getting hurt

The qualities of heroes vary from story to story, depending on the situation each hero is placed in. Known for their admirable traits, epic heroes have characteristics that are beyond the normal human standards. Present day heroes uphold some similar ideals, although, are evidently shown under different lights. Regardless of time period, heroes know right from wrong and are able to display qualities which are unique to their personality. As shown in The odyssey, Odysseus, the protagonist who is held captive on an island, displays the qualities of an epic hero.

Mythology is a collection of myths and stories belonging to a particular belief system or cultural tradition. Even though there are a variety of different myths taught around the world, Greek mythologies are more famously known for their fruitful stories and complex relationships. Greek mythologies mostly concern their gods and heroes such as; Hercules, Achilles, Theseus, and Perseus. Of the many Greek heroes, Jason is the most heroic due to the fact that although he is abandoned at a very young age, he is still able to survive, also he proves to Hera the goddess who hated heroes that he is worthy to be favoured by her, and he completes the impossible quest of the Golden Fleece. Jason is born in a very superior family, having a father who is the lawful king of Iolcus.

A person must posses more qualities than super strength. They must be courageous in all their endeavors. In many cases, the acts committed by an epic hero determine by their superhuman abilities. Being an epic hero takes more than just having superhuman powers, and being able to fight. Being an epic hero means that all those skills can be done with respect.

Hercules shows that he is a hero through the task he complete within in the movie and the Myth. In the end Hercules makes it back to Mt.Olympus in both stories and he completes the missions that were given to

Jason Sierra Professor Williams 5 October 2014 Word Count: 752 Odysseus: An Epic Hero The definition of a hero is a person with supernatural abilities at performing specific tasks that normal people cannot typically achieve. In the epic poem called “The Odyssey” written by a poet named Homer, there is a character named Odysseus who contains these characteristics.

In this analysis my main focus would be: why Hercules was famous in Greek Myth? , how did he impact the world and its society? and what lessons can be learnt from him? Hercules, the son of Zeus, was very famous in Greek mythology because he slayed the unbeatable nine headed hydra and the famous Nemean lion. When he was a kid he strangled and killed two venomous snakes with his bare hands and also he was the only warrior in Greek myth who was half god and half human.

Though he may be ridiculously unintelligent and emotionally unstable, he had a burning passion for justice and making things right. No matter how many people he had accidently killed, he always made it right by doing more and more good deeds. He was constantly working to become the best man he could. Though he couldn’t think properly, he was a man of his word. Hercules and Theseus both did great deeds, but Hercules just achieved more because of his strength.

An epic hero is one of great strengths and supernatural abilities. Beowulf is unable to be harmed by certain weapons, and Hercules has great strength. They also both go on a quest. Beowulf seeks to kill the evil Grendel, Hercules set out on a quest to complete the 12 labors.