A hero is a person who performs a heroic act in order to help others in need or to defend a certain ideal. Such actions are selfless and voluntary; the individual is not performing them as a matter of military duty. In performing heroic acts, the individual recognizes the risks involved and the associated sacrifice. Such an individual is not motivated by monetary gain or any other external motivation. This article will discuss some characteristics that distinguish a hero from a typical hero.
The ability to be a hero lies within all people. We can teach others to emulate this noble behavior. There is no greater feeling than helping someone else. In fact, this is what makes a person a hero. Andrew Carnegie set up the “Carnegie Hero Fund” in 1904 to recognize people who demonstrate heroic behavior. Since then, it has awarded nearly nine thousand medals and $32 million in grants to individuals who have made a positive difference in the world.
A hero is often a real person, but also the main character of a story. He or she will overcome adversity through feats of strength, courage, and ingenuity. This type of person also comes in various forms, from ancient to modern, mythological and real-life. Some examples of a hero include Giuseppe Garibaldi, Joan of Arc, Sophie Scholl, Alvin York, Chuck Yeager, and others.
The word hero derives from the Greek eros, meaning “protector” or “defender.” In the ancient world, heros referred to Heracles or other heroes with divine ancestry and honors. However, the Greek word eros has a Pre-Greek meaning of ‘protector’, and the term hero has its roots in this meaning. Historically, the word hero has been used in mythological texts such as The Odyssey.
The hero is a person who is a role model. He is the main character in the story, often being the main male character in it. In many ancient cultures, the hero is an admired figure who embodies noble qualities. His bold exploits are praised by the gods and the people who adore him. In the fifth edition of the American Heritage Dictionary, -ros are included as derivations of the word hero.
Modern literature struggles with the notion of the hero. In the age of reason, traditional hero-systems are no longer effective in convincing audiences. The protagonist of a story is first and foremost a symbolic representation of the story experiencer. The significance of a hero is dependent upon how similar the hero and the story experiencer are. Moreover, the hero is a representation of the experiencer’s perspective and identity.