|
|
Article: Heroes
- Article from:
- Myths and Legends of the World
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2001 Macmillan Reference, USA. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
|
Heroes
At the heart of many of the world's most enduring myths and legends is a hero, a man or woman who triumphs over obstacles. Heroes are not all-powerful and
immortal
beings. Instead they represent the best of what it means to be human, demonstrating great strength, courage, wisdom, cleverness, or devotion.
immortal
able to live forever
Not all heroes possess all these qualities. Through the ages cultures have produced various kinds of heroes who represent a wide
*
See
Names and Places
at the end of this volume for further information.
range of virtues. The male-dominated civilization of ancient Greece, for example, admired strong warrior heroes. By contrast, in the ...