Define
HERO or HEROISM. Who do you consider the hero of the epic?
Why do you
consider him as the epic's hero?
Cite evidences from the story.
These are just some character traits of a Hero that we usually have in mind.
Do you remember BEOWULF? He was a Great Hero who killed the hideous Grendel, who kept on attacking the residents of the mead hall of King Hrothgar, Grendel's Mom, who is a "monster-woman" who is very over-protective of his son, and the unnamed dragon where he was fatally wounded then died but was able to kill the said beast.
How about the Great Heracles? He is the son of Zeus and Alcmene (a mortal), gifted with unmeasurable strength where he strangled 2 serpents when he was a baby and killed a vicious lion before manhood. Hera was his main enemy which drove him very mad leading to the time when he killed his own children and his brothers'. With this, he exiled himself and consulted the oracle of Apollo. The Oracle told him to do the 12 LABORS which he successfully did. He died when his lover, Deianira, let him drink a garment soaked in a Nessus' blood which is poisonous. He was later taken to Mount Olympus and there, he was endowed with immortality after death.
Heroism? In Greek Mythology, it is someone who is very BRAVE, COURAGEOUS, STRONG, DEDICATED, SELFLESS, HUMBLE, and DETERMINED.
A HERO is mostly pictured as a warrior who:
- Fights for his country but has a simple life;
- Always takes up distinctive tasks which no one else ever dares to;
- Has to undertake a long journey filled with challenges in his way and has to fight various battles to accomplish his goal.
These are just some character traits of a Hero that we usually have in mind.
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| BEOWULF, King of the Geats |
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| HERACLES, A Greek Hero |
These are just some of the greatest Heroes we can recall but are you even familiar of who is the Great Hero of the
EPIC POEM, ILIAD?
When I was reading the ILIAD, I tried to figure out who is the real hero of the said epic poem. I can't even decide how to determine a hero, Do you mean hero as in the MAIN CHARACTER
or hero as in the MOST NOBLE CHARACTER?
If were talking about a Hero as the Main Character, ACHILLES is most probably best suitable for this because
even though his craziness is part of his character's flaws and his amazing skill and ability is most certainly epic, he is still considered as the Epic's main character.
But if were talking about a Hero as the Most Noble Character, I'd prefer HECTOR for this because even though he isn't the main character, he did have the best motives and he fights for his country and his beloved people, the Trojans. He strives for glory by saving his beloved people.
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| HECTOR & ACHILLES in battle |
***BUT WHO IS THE REAL HERO OF ILIAD?***
If I were to choose, I'll pick the hero who :
- Saves his beloved people out of love unlike those who doesn't even care about his people;
- Does not seek vengeance but glory for a real hero does not possess a certain trait of being vengeful and avenging particular persons whom he loved;
- Who is ready to die for his country and people for honor unlike those whose pride is so broad that he only thinks of himself and no one else.
- Stands up for his people and gives them the inspiration to defend their homeland as well.
- Sets as an example to his people and do what is good both for his people and his land.
I Am talking about HECTOR, which I consider as the Epic Poem's Real Hero. Why? Hector is the kind of hero who went to war not to kill out of his own glory but to save his own beloved and precious people. He is the kind of king who kept his passion for Troy burning in his mind and heart and gets inspiration from his beloved people. He even fought the Great Achilles even though he knows he has no match against him but because of the hope he holds on to while fighting the oppressor. Another is that Hector has one of the most tender scenes in the book,
where he says his farewell to his beloved wife, Andromache and kisses his little boy on the
forehead before going out to battle. As far as the motive and likability of the character's concern, I'd go with the MIGHTY HECTOR. Can you be like Hector? Are you willing to sacrifice your life just to save those who you love?
To conclude my discussion, I would like to share this inspirational Quote to you:
"If one is determined to die for the truth, even a common man can create history."
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Thank you for reading this and see you on my next post!
Ciao for now!
- Gelo Gonzales -
1 comment:
Score:8
I agree with you! I find Hector as the only character in the epic who manifests the traits of a hero.
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