ancient heroes vs modern heroes essay

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Modern and ancient heroes share common themes, BYU professors say

Superheroes have been featured in movies, comics and video games, and are often impersonated at conventions like the upcoming Salt Lake Comic Con , which will be held September 21–23.

Comic book heroes have become increasingly popular over the years and   share a connection to heroes from ancient mythologies, according to BYU professors.

The earliest example of written Greek mythology, Hesiod’s Theogony, can be dated back to 700 B.C., according to History.com . Writings from Hesiod, Homer and Plato have since inspired countless works of art, including Botticelli’s Birth of Venus, the 1981 film “Clash of the Titans,”   and modern-day superheroes.

The superhero archetypes can, in part, be compared to similar warrior and hero archetypes from ancient Greek and Norse mythology, according to BYU humanities professor Seth Jeppesen.

“Hercules’ primary characteristic is his strength, which is a quality you see in a character like Superman,” Jeppesen said. “One of the ways in which these characters are similar is a special skill or quality that these individuals possess to an extreme degree that makes them stand out from their peers.”

Some superheroes, like Thor, are directly drawn from ancient mythology, and the use of these well-known figures is clever and efficient, rather than lazy, Jeppesen said.

“None of the characters in comic books are exactly the same as their ancient myth counterparts,” he said. “ Authors use stories of antiquity as building blocks. The reason we still tell these myths is because they are psychologically important and motivating,”

Jeppesen said one reason people are drawn to ancient and modern heroes is they inspire people to be better, whether the heroes act as an inspiration or a cautionary tale.

“For the Greeks, the heroes weren’t totally good,” he said. “Hercules did some pretty awful things, but superheroes are a useful vehicle for understanding themes of dealing with conflicts within ourselves.”

Jeppesen said flawed heroes help readers feel better about themselves and are easier to personally identify with.

Modern comic book heroes also share a visual link with their ancient counterparts. BYU professor of illustration Robert Barrett said every culture has had superheroes since illustration and visual storytelling was developed.

Barrett said superheroes share the hyperbolic qualities often portrayed by Greek and Norse figures. Characters in both mediums share idealized proportions, which emphasize perfection while still allowing for great detail — implying internal flaws. Modern heroes are able to display these same qualities, he said.

“Batman and Iron Man are reincarnations of Agamemnon, who acquired much of his power from wealth obtained in the Trojan War,” Barrett said. “In Norse mythology, Thor was a hammer-wielding god associated with lightning, thunder and strength who goes on numerous adventures and exploits.”

BYU philosophy professor Travis Anderson said the concept of a demigod is often shared between ancient heroes and modern comic book heroes.

“The Greeks had the notion of beings who were half god and half men,” he said. “These demigods represent a union between god and man, and are often attributed with shared characteristics … I would suggest the notion of a superhero comes from that idea.”

Anderson said Oedipus, while not being directly identified as superhuman, displays qualities of being stronger, smarter and kinder than those around him while still being imperfect. This idea is reflected on superheroes, he said.

Anderson also said superheroes can be comforting to readers because they suggest a link between mortal men and divine beings.

“Superheroes often sacrifice their own lives for others, hence the famous line ‘with great power comes great responsibility,’ which suggests that superheroes are comforting to us, and represent a greater moral sphere,” Anderson said.

BYU professor Seth Jeppesen talks about the links between modern and ancient heroes in this audio clip.

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Home — Essay Samples — Life — Heroes — Modern Heroes Vs Epic Heroes

Modern Heroes Vs Epic Heroes

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The Legendary Heroes of Ancient Greek Mythology: A Historian‘s Perspective

• by history tools
• May 26, 2024

In the rich tapestry of ancient Greek mythology, heroes serve as timeless symbols of human strength, resilience, and the unending quest for glory. These legendary figures, both mortal and divine, have captured the imagination of people across the ages, their stories woven into the very fabric of Western culture. As a historian, exploring the tales of these heroes offers a fascinating glimpse into the beliefs, values, and aspirations of ancient Greek society.

The Making of a Greek Hero

In the world of Greek mythology, heroes were not merely skilled warriors or clever tricksters; they were individuals who displayed exceptional bravery, faced seemingly insurmountable challenges, and left an indelible mark on the world around them. As classicist Gregory Nagy notes, "The Greek hero was a larger-than-life figure, a personage of myth and legend, often of divine descent, who represented the ideals and values of Greek society" (Nagy, 1999, p. 9).

To the ancient Greeks, heroes served as models of virtue and embodiments of the human potential for greatness. They were celebrated in songs, stories, and religious rituals, their deeds immortalized in the collective memory of the people. The hero‘s journey, a narrative pattern identified by scholars such as Joseph Campbell (1949), is a recurring theme in Greek mythology, tracing the hero‘s path from ordinary origins to extraordinary achievements.

The Twelve Labors of Heracles

One of the most renowned Greek heroes is Heracles (or Hercules in Roman mythology), the son of Zeus and the mortal Alcmene. Heracles‘ legendary strength and courage are epitomized in his famous Twelve Labors, a series of seemingly impossible tasks he undertook as penance for a tragic act of madness.

From slaying the Nemean Lion and the multi-headed Hydra to capturing the Erymanthian Boar and the Cretan Bull, Heracles‘ labors tested the limits of human prowess. Perhaps his most daunting challenge was his descent into the Underworld to capture Cerberus, the fearsome three-headed guardian of the realm of the dead.

Heracles‘ endurance and triumph over these trials made him a symbol of human perseverance in the face of adversity. As historian Robin Lane Fox observes, "Heracles‘ labours were a metaphor for the human condition, for the toil and struggle which every man must endure" (Lane Fox, 2008, p. 128).

Achilles and the Trojan War

Another towering figure in the pantheon of Greek heroes is Achilles, the central character of Homer‘s epic poem, the Iliad . Born to the sea nymph Thetis and the mortal Peleus, Achilles was prophesied to either live a long, unremarkable life or achieve everlasting glory through his prowess in battle.

Achilles‘ decision to pursue the path of the warrior led him to the legendary conflict of the Trojan War, where his unmatched skill and fury on the battlefield made him the most feared and respected of the Greek champions. His tragic flaw, the famous "Achilles heel," would ultimately lead to his downfall, struck by an arrow guided by the hand of the god Apollo.

The story of Achilles, as recounted in the Iliad , not only immortalized the hero‘s deeds but also served as a meditation on the nature of war, honor, and the human condition. As classicist Bernard Knox notes, "The Iliad is a poem about the heroic ideal and its tragic limitations" (Knox, 1990, p. 43).

Odysseus and the Epic Journey

Alongside Achilles, another hero who left an indelible mark on Greek mythology is Odysseus, the protagonist of Homer‘s Odyssey . Renowned for his cunning and resourcefulness, Odysseus embarked on a perilous ten-year journey home after the fall of Troy, facing mythical creatures, treacherous seas, and the wrath of the gods themselves.

From outwitting the Cyclops Polyphemus to navigating the twin perils of Scylla and Charybdis, Odysseus‘ epic voyage has become a timeless symbol of human perseverance and the unbreakable bonds of home and family. As historian Edith Hall observes, "The Odyssey is a poem about the human desire for homecoming, for a return to the familiar after the trials and tribulations of life" (Hall, 2008, p. 57).

The Hero Cults of Ancient Greece

The influence of Greek heroes extended far beyond the realm of myth and legend; they were also the focus of religious veneration in the form of hero cults. Archaeological evidence, such as temple remains, inscriptions, and offerings, attests to the widespread practice of worshipping heroes as intermediaries between the human and divine worlds.

One of the most famous examples of a hero cult is that of Theseus, the legendary founder-king of Athens. Theseus‘ heroic deeds, such as slaying the Minotaur and unifying the region of Attica, made him a figure of immense importance to Athenian identity. The Athenians celebrated Theseus through festivals, sacrifices, and the construction of monuments, such as the Theseion, a temple dedicated to the hero.

As historian Robert Parker notes, "Hero cults were a way for the Greeks to honor their ancestors, to celebrate their shared history, and to reinforce the values and ideals that defined their society" (Parker, 2005, p. 106).

The Enduring Legacy of Greek Heroes

The tales of Greek heroes have endured for millennia, their stories adapted and reimagined across cultures and generations. From the Renaissance masterpieces of artists like Botticelli and Rubens to modern retellings in literature, film, and television, the heroes of Greek mythology continue to capture the imagination of audiences worldwide.

The enduring appeal of these legendary figures lies in their embodiment of universal human experiences and aspirations. As mythologist Joseph Campbell observed, "The hero‘s journey is a symbol that binds, in the original sense of the word, two distant ideas, the spiritual quest of the ancients with the modern search for identity" (Campbell, 1949, p. 18).

In a sense, the heroes of Greek mythology are more than just characters in ancient stories; they are archetypes of the human experience, reflecting our deepest fears, hopes, and desires. By studying their tales and the cultural context in which they emerged, we gain a richer understanding of the ancient world and the timeless themes that continue to shape our own.

The legendary heroes of ancient Greek mythology have left an indelible mark on Western culture, their stories woven into the fabric of our collective imagination. From the superhuman feats of Heracles to the epic journeys of Odysseus, these figures embody the ideals and aspirations of a civilization that continues to captivate and inspire us to this day.

As historians, we have the privilege of exploring the rich tapestry of Greek heroic tradition, uncovering the beliefs, values, and cultural forces that gave rise to these enduring legends. By engaging with these stories and the archaeological and literary evidence that supports them, we gain a deeper appreciation for the power of myth and the ways in which it shapes our understanding of the world and our place within it.

In the end, the heroes of Greek mythology remind us of the timeless human struggle for meaning, identity, and purpose. Their tales, handed down through the ages, continue to resonate with us because they speak to the most fundamental aspects of the human experience—the search for courage in the face of adversity, the quest for self-discovery, and the unbreakable bonds of love and loyalty that define our lives.

As we continue to study and celebrate these legendary figures, we keep alive a tradition that has endured for thousands of years, a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and the indomitable spirit of the human imagination.

Campbell, J. (1949). The hero with a thousand faces . Pantheon Books.

Hall, E. (2008). The return of Ulysses: A cultural history of Homer‘s Odyssey . I.B. Tauris.

Knox, B. (1990). The Iliad: A commentary . Cambridge University Press.

Lane Fox, R. (2008). Travelling heroes: Greeks and their myths in the epic age of Homer . Allen Lane.

Nagy, G. (1999). The best of the Achaeans: Concepts of the hero in Archaic Greek poetry . Johns Hopkins University Press.

Parker, R. (2005). Polytheism and society at Athens . Oxford University Press.

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The Difference Between the Ancient and the Contemporary Hero: What The Hero Can Say About Society and The Human Character

Eleanor (Elly) Brown, 2022, Stage 2

• Post author By Glen
• Post date 12 January 2022
• No Comments on The Difference Between the Ancient and the Contemporary Hero: What The Hero Can Say About Society and The Human Character

The concept of the hero is one that has been debated and discussed sociologically, historically, and even psychologically but not so much philosophically. There is not one singular definition of a hero yet the concept can impart extraordinary knowledge of the wider world and how it has changed, as well as highlight the notable development of the concept of the self throughout the years. The interdependent relationship between the hero and the society can tell us a lot about human nature. Through looking at two antithetical heroes – an Ancient Tragic Hero and a Contemporary Superhero – and the differences between them I have investigated the idea of selfhood and how that has completely changed, alongside how society reflects this relationship. I have used Aristotle’s Poetics and MacIntyre’s After Virtue to analyse in what ways the concept of the hero can teach us these things. It seems as if the self has become something distinct, and that in contemporary society we become who we are through our actions and how we behave, in contrast to the ancients who act and behave in the way they do because of who they are. There are these crucial elements of fate and choice which highlight the complete change in the hero. Through this contemporary understanding, it seems as though it does not make sense to think of morality solely in terms of action and theory but rather in virtue and practice too. Humanity has developed to a point where we should be looking at morality in terms of character, actions, and society in a unified manner rather than just in the actions themselves.

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Why Ancient Greek Heroes Are Still So Appealing In Today’s Culture

By Halen Allison

Posted on Dec 21, 2015 10:00 AM EST

5 minute read

The connection service members and veterans have to those who’ve served before us runs deep. We venerate the likes of Lewis “Chesty” Puller, Audie Murphy, and John Boyd, not only for their heroism on the battlefields of yore, but for their contributions to our warfighting profession. They inspire us and set the standards by which we judge ourselves. We take the heritage they’ve given us very seriously. But the draw we have to the warriors of the past extends further back into history as we also feel a tremendous kinship with and respect for the soldiers and heroes of the classical world.

Antiquity is resplendent with heroes both real and mythical. Alexander, King Leonidas, Hannibal, and Caesar stand out as legendary military leaders and tacticians whose impact on the world can still be seen today, and we idolize the hard, rough men they led into battle. Greek mythology has given us Perseus, Theseus, Hercules, and Jason to name just a few. And any discussion about heroes of the past has to include Achilles, Ajax, Odysseus, and other figures from Homer’s “The Iliad” and “The Odyssey.”

What about these heroes do we find so appealing? They were, of course, heroic. But they were more than that. They personify the martial spirit we seek to emulate. Alexander defeated a vastly larger enemy and reduced the powerful Achaemenid Persian Empire with a mere 35,000 men. He took his army from the Levant to the Baes River in modern India. Hannibal’s double envelopment and destruction of the Roman army at Cannae is viewed as the gold standard of battlefield victories. Ajax single handedly held off the Trojan army, saving the day for his Greek comrades.

The appreciation for the martial spirit of the ancients is further evidenced by the adoption of many of their symbols and sayings by military units, companies that cater to the military community, and individuals in and out of uniform. We’ve all seen the malevolent-looking Corinthian helmet , for example, with its plunging cheek guards, dark eyes, and flowing crest, adorning patches and logos .

While these legendary men sometimes seem larger than life and were idealized in many ways, they were also very real, and like us, very complex. It is clear from reading ancient sources that these heroes held dear many of the same virtues that we value: honor, loyalty, courage, perseverance, ingenuity, and adaptability. For example, Homer tells us that Ajax and Odysseus fight the Trojans by themselves to recover Achilles’ body so they can give him a proper burial. This echoes the sentiment that we leave no man behind. Odysseus, during a decade-long trip home from his deployment to Troy, exemplified ingenuity and cunning. When captured by the Cyclops Polyphemus, Odysseus tells him that his name is Nobody. After blinding Polyphemus so that he could escape, the Cyclops cried out for help saying, “Nobody has blinded me!” The other cyclopes ignored him and he went on to endure, and triumph over, more hardships. This says nothing of Odysseus’ most famous act of cunning, that of ending the ten year siege of Troy with a wooden horse. It is interesting to note that while the Greeks adored Odysseus, the Romans reviled him, thinking that such deceit and deception had no place among honorable men.

Our military, however, has a long history of using deception to achieve victory, from ever-evolving camouflage to the creation of the fictional First U.S. Army Group in Operation Fortitude. Odysseus would be proud.

Despite their many virtues, these figures had flaws and were vulnerable. While in many ways no less powerful, and certainly blessed by the gods, they lacked utterly the aura of invincibility that many of our modern mythological figures have. This is part of the reason they are so accessible and feel so much like us even after thousands of years. One has a hard time believing that Superman or Wolverine will ever achieve such lasting appreciation among future warfighters. Significantly, it is difficult for us to think of our own war heroes as being vulnerable because they are too close to us; being known almost solely for their laudable acts of heroism in battle, they become one dimensional.

We have no such issues with those from antiquity. They are literally described as being flawed, and in some cases, their flaws, despite their virtues, actually define them. Achilles famously had his heel. He was also ruled by his rage. After killing Hector in single combat, Achilles, in his grief, hooked the Trojan’s body to his chariot and desecrated it, dragging it through the funeral games being held for his friend Patroclus.

These myths and legendary men remain relevant today despite the two millennia or more that have passed. Not only are their victories and defeats studied by military tacticians and strategists, but their stories show us that the nature of war and its impacts on the warriors who fight hasn’t changed even with all our technological advances. At the heart of these myths and the accounts of wars in antiquity are fighting men engaged in life or death struggles. They shared with their comrades the same intimate bonds and struggles that we share with ours today.

Dr. Jonathan Shay, in his books “Odysseus in America and Achilles in Vietnam,” suggests that the heroes in Homer’s works may have suffered from post-traumatic stress, or what he calls moral injuries, from their exposure to the rigors of combat. Homer’s works were not tales of adventure and glory, but tragedies describing men touched by war. And these myths are helping today’s veterans deal with their experiences. The organization Theater of War performs readings of classical plays and poems, such as Sophocles’ “Ajax” and “Philoctetes,” for veterans to help them understand that PTSD is a condition suffered by even ancient warriors. Founder Bryan Doerries recently published a book with the same name. Another organization, Voices for Veterans, uses mythology to encourage veterans to talk about their experiences among their peers.

We know that we owe a lot to those who came before us, from Patton and Petraeus to Alexander and Odysseus. It is our martial heritage, and we admire the heroes and warriors of antiquity. While we can appreciate them for their virtues and flaws, we can acknowledge that they have a lot to teach us. Not only about war, but about ourselves.

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A travel journal of sorts, odysseus vs. the modern hero.

If people nowadays find it difficult to understand why, as little as 30 years ago, fashion had them wearing neon leg warmers as a part of their everyday attire, imagine how much our views have changed since the time of the Ancient Greeks. Back then, it was considered to let random strangers into your house, offer your daughters for marriage at 14 years old, and even to let other people bathe you, among the many things we would consider very odd in our times. It is not surprising then that, because culture and society have evolved so much, many of our ideals and definitions of virtue are different as well.

In Homer’s time, Odysseus would have been regarded and celebrated as a great hero and warrior, and is very consistent in both character and story with the title of epic hero, which he shares with figures such as Beowulf from the Old English poem. But from a modern perspective, he doesn’t seem nearly as heroic as he is made out to be.

It seems that, in multiple cases, Odysseus failed to fulfill a very important criterion of modern heroism: putting the lives of others before your own. While I do not know much about his deeds at Troy, I am fairly confident from the account of his journey back home that Odysseus was not an expert at this. Many of his shipmates died on the way back home to Ithaca – were eaten by monsters or fell into the trap at Helios’ cattle-packed island – mainly as a result of Odysseus’ inability to convince them to do the intelligent thing, or otherwise, the fact that he didn’t really try in the first place. He also sends many of his men out “exploring” on potentially dangerous islands and most of them do not come back. A modern hero would take the risk upon his own shoulders and be more willing to sacrifice his life for his comrades rather than the other way around. Odysseus also makes many rash decisions that are often not well thought out. He almost gave himself away while disguised as a beggar multiple times, which threatened both his life, the life of his son, and the lives of his loyal friends.

Finally, it is quite evident that Odysseus relies on other people’s help ALOT throughout The Odyssey. He does not escape from Calypso’s island until the gods themselves convince Calypso to let him go home. Even then, she helps him build a raft and gives him food for the journey. He then lands on Scheria where Alcinous’ hospitality gets him to the next place, and so on. He requires Hermes’ flower to avoid getting turned into a pig by Circe. The only time he really solves a problem is when he is able to escape from the Cyclop’s cave by his own wit. Aside from that instance, however, he is constantly under the watchful eye of Athena who keeps him out of too much trouble and makes sure he doesn’t stray from his path home. She makes him “beautiful” and “strong” when he needs it, and makes him look like a beggar when it is necessary as well. There is simply too much “god-power” helping him out, whereas we appreciate strength that comes from within in a modern hero.

Although this was not a very detailed assessment of “heroism” in The Odyssey, I hope that I have at least made some sense and that you will not judge me too harshly. Farewell for now,

Your point about Odysseus not putting others’ needs before his is an interesting one that I hadn’t thought about before. Of course, with the cattle of the sun, he did try to tell them not to do it, I think…right? That one seems to be their fault. I’ll have to go back and look at the other instances to remind myself whether he just sends others out or whether he goes with them. With the Cyclops, at least at some point, he goes with the men; I think with Circe he sends others out first, though, rather than putting himself there first.

And yes, much of his success (and failure, one might also add) is due to actions of others, especially the gods. That’s one of the reasons why we put in that essay topic asking how much the humans in the tale seem to be in control of their own lives and how much is in the hands of the gods!

On a different note, can you please enable the plugin that allows commenters to check a box to receive an email if there are replies to their comments? Go to “plugins,” then to a plugin called something like “subscribe to comments,” click “activate” on the right and then save (if there is a save button at the bottom, which there might not be for this). thanks!

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The Heroes in Ancient Greek Myths

This essay about the heroes in ancient Greek myths explores the complex and multifaceted characters of Achilles, Heracles, and Odysseus. It highlights their extraordinary abilities and the personal challenges they face, illustrating the deep humanity and moral struggles inherent in their tales. Through their stories, we gain insight into ancient Greek values such as courage, loyalty, wisdom, and the pursuit of excellence. The essay underscores how these mythological figures, with their mix of divine favor and human vulnerability, offer timeless reflections on the human condition. Their narratives, filled with both triumph and tragedy, resonate through the ages, teaching us about resilience, redemption, and the eternal human quest for meaning.

How it works

Ancient Greek mythology is captivating not only because of its gods and goddesses but also because of its heroes, who are mortals or demi-gods whose stories have endured through the ages and give us insight into the principles and values of Greek culture. With their tremendous powers and frequently intricate moral landscapes, these heroes traverse experiences that are as much about their inner struggles as they are about exterior obstacles.

Characters like Achilles, whose name connotes both unrivaled bravery and terrible fragility, are at the center of these mythology.

Achilles, the protagonist of Homer’s “Iliad,” explores anger, honor, and the transient essence of life in a moving way in this moving story. His real and figurative Achilles’ heel serves as a reminder that even the strongest people are susceptible to weakness. And then there is Heracles, renowned for his extraordinary strength, who performed the twelve labors as a penance for a period of insanity. His story serves as a parable of redemption and the human ability to triumph over even the most formidable obstacles.

Odysseus, the cunning hero of the “Odyssey,” introduces us to a different kind of heroism – one that values wit over brute strength. His ten-year journey home from the Trojan War is a testament to human resilience, ingenuity, and the longing for home and family. Odysseus’ adventures, encountering mythical creatures and divine beings, highlight the ancient Greeks’ understanding of the world as a place filled with wonders and perils, where humans must navigate their fates with both courage and wisdom.

What sets these heroes apart and makes their stories resonate through ages is not just their might or divine favor but their humanity. Their journeys encompass a spectrum of human emotions and experiences – from love to loss, from triumph to despair. Achilles’ wrath, Heracles’ remorse, and Odysseus’ longing are deeply human emotions that bridge the gap between the mortal and the divine, offering insights into the human condition that are as relevant today as they were millennia ago.

Despite having their origins in a period and place far different from our own, the stories of these ancient Greek heroes have endured because they capture fundamental truths about what it is to be human. Their tales are not only about the exploits they have but also about the virtues they stand for: bravery, fidelity, discernment, and the quest of greatness. These heroes teach us about the intricacies of human nature and the never-ending search for meaning and purpose via their imperfections and accomplishments.

Exploring the legends of classical Greek heroes entails more than just discovering stories of bravery and exploration. We’re delving into the very core of mankind as experienced by a long-gone civilization whose influence lives on and inspires curiosity to this day. These heroes serve as enduring reminders of what it means to be human, to persevere in the face of adversity, and to look for one’s place in the great fabric of existence through their epic narratives of struggle and success.

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"The Heroes In Ancient Greek Myths." PapersOwl.com , 29 Apr 2024, https://papersowl.com/examples/the-heroes-in-ancient-greek-myths/

PapersOwl.com. (2024). The Heroes In Ancient Greek Myths . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/the-heroes-in-ancient-greek-myths/ [Accessed: 30 Jul. 2024]

"The Heroes In Ancient Greek Myths." PapersOwl.com, Apr 29, 2024. Accessed July 30, 2024. https://papersowl.com/examples/the-heroes-in-ancient-greek-myths/

"The Heroes In Ancient Greek Myths," PapersOwl.com , 29-Apr-2024. [Online]. Available: https://papersowl.com/examples/the-heroes-in-ancient-greek-myths/. [Accessed: 30-Jul-2024]

PapersOwl.com. (2024). The Heroes In Ancient Greek Myths . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/the-heroes-in-ancient-greek-myths/ [Accessed: 30-Jul-2024]

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Tales of tenth grade, ancient greek heroes vs. modern day heroes.

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