Running head: MYTHOLOGICAL HERO AND HEROINE 1

MYTHOLOGICAL HERO AND HEROINE

Name

Course

Institution
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Heroes and heroines in Greek Mythology were protagonists in tragedies and epidemics.

Each hero or heroine was, therefore, associated with some form of tragedy in which they stand

out from their fellow human beings. Because they were highly accorded with respect, they were

worshipped in their tombs and other sacred places that identified their nature. Heroes and

heroines were seen as powerful, worthy to be worshipped, and subordinates to the gods and

goddesses.

They were viewed as counterparts to the gods and goddess. However, unlike gods and

goddess who shared some qualities, heroes and heroines were associated with one specific

attribute. Each hero or heroine had a specific myth that distinguished them. Achilles, for

example, is associated with being a great hero after delivering the Greeks in the Trojan War.

Odysseus, another Greek hero, is well known as the King of Ithaca and also celebrated for

leading his people into successful battles. One popular myth that he is identified with is defeating

the Cyclops Polyphemus, Sirens, Scylla, and Charybdis, all of which were monsters. The bravery

and strength of these heroes consequently elevated their position in the Greek Society.

Heroes and heroines were also worshipped just like the gods. Heroes were mortal just

like human beings and they were therefore worshipped in their tombs or other places that

identified their attributes. Oedipus, for example, was worshipped in a sacred site in Columbus,

Athens. Some other heroes had several shrines where they were worshipped. Heracles, was not

only worshipped all over Greece, but also in Egypt. Additionally, heroes and heroines were also

given sacrifices. They were, however, different from the ones given to the gods and goddesses.

They believed that they gave them the victory during wars, guided them and also protected them

from their enemies. Because of their heroic acts towards the Greek Society, they were not

punished whenever they did something wrong. It was believed that even this acts were for a
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greater good. Achilles kills his wife and children but he doesn’t get any form of punishment from

this.

Heroes were also seen as subordinates to the gods. The gods controlled the forces of

nature and gave human beings the power to live and find their being. Heroes, however, mostly

protected the human beings from tragedy and also got their power from the gods. A hero could

be elevated to a god. Achilles, for example, battles with, Scamander, a divine god that ruled over

the Trojan River. His victory and his incredible strength is then rewarded with him becoming one

of the gods in the Olympus.

Through the understanding of the myths about the Greek heroes and heroines we get to

understand how they defined heroism, and what was legacy to them. Apprehending heroism

from their point of view, therefore, helps us to frame our notions about idols in our today’s

society.