Comparison Between Modern and Epic Heroes - Essay Example

Blondell, Gamel, Rabinowitz, and Zweig (1999, 51) stress that kleos pertains to being spoken by others. The name of a hero is continually spoken across different epoch even after his death (Wians 2009, 147). The concept of a hero evolves overtime from ancient notion that encompasses possession of superpower to the modern idea, which involves moral nobility and achievements (quoted in Morris 2010, 21). Hector Hector privately confessed to Andromache that being courageous is not something inherent, but something he had to acquire and learn (Homer 1917, 7: 317-320).

Hector manifests cowardice when he fled twice upon encountering the great, Ajax and Achilles (Homer 1917, 26: 318-325; Homer 1917, 6: 180-181). Hector allows Trojans to sleep outside the City’s wall with the absence of Achilles. Thus, enemies succeed in slaughtering great number of their army as no watch is awoke (Homer 1917, 6: 5-13). In the end, Hector stands up against Achilles even after he realized his impending death (Homer 2003, 11: 245-255). Andromache considers Hector as a tender and loving husband and father.

Hector also shows understanding for his brother’s nature (Homer 1917, 11: 906). Achilles Achilles is considered as a demigod, a son of a mortal, Peleus, and a god, Thetis. Achilles’ hubris is manifested by his unwillingness to fight for Greeks (Homer 1917, 7: 121). He remains uncompromising, obdurate, and flexible even if Agamemnon offers to return Briseis. The rage of Achilles is portrayed in his willingness to kill those who opposed him (Homer 1917, 7: 108). Achilles kills Hector as a revenge for the death of Patroclus.

Patroclus is killed by Hector after disguising as Achilles to save the lives of Greeks (Homer 1917, 14: 415-420). Achilles possesses heightened strength and courage to fight his enemies (Homer 1917, 7: 168). He possesses characteristics necessary to be regarded as a hero; however, his pride prevents him from serving the interest of the majority. Achilles slays Hector, a great warrior, to avenge the death of Patroclus (Homer 1917, 21: 317). Achilles fights for his personal interest rather than for the good of the majority.

Numerous Greeks die because of his pride (Homer 1917, 14: 540-420). Odysseus Odysseus possesses strength and nobility of character, which defines a hero. Odysseus is widely known as a king of Ithaca and a son of Anticlea and Laertes. Odysseus is depicted by Homer as a man of endurance, resourcefulness, wisdom, and eloquence (Homer 2000, 21: 20-29). Homer shows Odysseus’ firmness in imposing laws and policies (Homer 2000, 21: 285-300). Greeks devise different means to ambush and defeat their enemies; however, none of them can equal Odysseus cunning ability.

Odysseus creates the wooden horse, which defeats the Trojan (Homer 2000, 21: 448). Odysseus is imprisoned by Calypso in her Island; however, his desire to return to his wife remains (Homer 2000, 21: 110). Batman Batman is not considered as a hero in Greek sense as he does not possess superhuman abilities. Batman accomplishes difficult feats through rigorous training and resourcefulness. He physically fights criminals to protect innocent inhabitants of Gotham City. Unlike other ancient heroes, Batman performs such deeds for the good of the majority and not for personal glory (Hirschman 2000, 194).

“The Dark Knight” portrays how Batman convinced Gordon to blame him for the death of Gordon’