Myths and Heroes

In myths and legends from around the world a theme that appears stories repeatedly is that of the uncommon hero.

 One of the consistent components in these stories is that of a miracle or mystery surrounds the birth of such heroes. They may be the child of a virgin; or they may have special powers or be from the union of a God and a human.

 Many hero myths has a recurring event of the hero going on a quest a task or journey that is beyond the ability of a normal mortal.  That must be undertaken to achieve a goal. These heroes usually set off on journeys filled with challenges and adventures, often connected with magic or the supernatural. A hero may have to descend into Hell and confront death himself

Heroes have the strength beyond the ordinary to defeat enemies, monsters, or demons, a protecting God or Goddess or magician often helps the hero to achieve his goal. In the end the hero returns from his adventures with special powers, wisdom and wealth won in the course of the quest

Several historic human warriors can be considered heroes with their outstanding abilities in combat. In myths about the Trojan War, Achilles was valiant in war and the monster-slaying heroes of early English stories are renowned for their courage.

Some figures in mythology earned their hero status as rulers. King Arthur may have been an historical figure but was brought into a hero of greatness. The African leader Shaka of the Zulu people of southern Africa, gathered a huge army and established a great empire

Another type of hero is the hero who brings the gifts of civilization to a people. In Greek mythology the Titan Prometheus who steals fire for the benefit of humankind.

In hero mythology there is often the element of truth that has symbolic meanings for the people who create them.  Often it instills the concept of striving to the utmost level of one’s ability. Sometimes there is a moral thread intertwined in the stories.  

Heroes will always be a part of cultures around the world and new heroes are being born everyday in areas of medicine; politics and humanity towards others.  People need to have heroes in order to maintain their own self worth and the need to be inspired by someone who is in ways like them.