Hero’s in Greek Literature Essay

In modern times the word sub can be used to describe many different people. For example, a scientist that develops a cure for support would be thought of to be heroic. Or perhaps one might deem teachers heroic for regulate the youth of tomorrow. Although these jobs are noble, they would not be deemed heroic by the Greeks. Todays definition of a hero is comparatively broad to that of which the Greeks would have considered the term of hero to describe. More accurately, a hero is roundone who puts themselves in a position of death in order to obtain a morally just cause. This musical matter of self sacrifice is what makes a hero. In Greek literature, especially in poetry, there are several examples of heroes and heroines. I will specifically discuss Achilles of Homers Iliad, as well as Antigone in Sophocles Antigone, and why their character is of heroic stature.In early Greek literature, such(prenominal) as Homers Iliad, a hero was more parallel to the concept of a warrior. In boo k I of The Iliad, Achilles is not just portrayed as a warrior, but is in detail introduced as godlike (Homer, 107). Achilles is an exemplum of one of the defining characteristics of epic poems in that he possesses godlike qualities, such as superhuman strength. In epic poems, the intervention and presence of the Greek gods is a persisting trait. Achilles is born of some(prenominal) mortal and immortal persons, his father a militant mortal Peleus and his drive the sea nymph Thetis. receivable to these qualities and over the course of the poem, Achilles proves himself to be the most capable warrior of all.Moreover, Achilles also proves himself a hero by surmising to the idea of self sacrifice. It has always been known that if Achilles kills Hector during the Greek and Trojan War, he will at some point be put to death by the gods. As described in book IX, My m other(a) Thetis, a moving silver grace, tells me two fates sweep me on my death. If I stay here and fight, Ill never return legal residence, but my glory will be undying forever. If I return home my glory is lost but my life will be long, (Homer, 141). Therefore Achilles does have the option of passage home and living a long life. However, it is the death of Patroclus, Achilles best friend, that sways him to fight even though a sure death will come. This choice is namely why Achilles is a hero.Another central theme to a Greek hero is that he is unable to be destroyed by any other man and therefore a central theme of self- destructiveness exists (Whitman).