The Life and Labors
of Hercules
Definition of a "Hero"
he*ro \he - ro\ 1. a: a mythological
or legendary figure often of divine descent endowed with great
strength or ability b: an illustrious warrior c:
a man admired for his achievements and qualities d: one
that shows great courage 2. a: the principal male character
in a literary or dramatic work b: the central figure in
an event or period.
- definition from Webster's New Collegiate
Dictionary
Who do we consider to be a hero? What heroic
qualities do they have? Let's list some here:
What about Greek heroes?
In Greek Literature, a hero:
- 1. usually comes from a royal birth
- must perform an extraordinary feat
- does not have to be of good moral character
- must suffer physically
- must die in an unusual way
- not part of the community until death
Usually, a Greek Hero is worshipped at
their tomb site.
Greek hero or Modern hero? Be ready
to defend your answer!
Michael Jordan
Brett Favre
Princess Diana
John F. Kennedy
Martin Luther King, Jr.
