1. Heroism in Literature
ESLCO8

2. Hero Comes from ancient Greek: ἥρως, hḗrōs
Means “protector” or “defender”

3. “Classical” Heroes Usually demigods
Usually have special powers / gifts
Usually go on a quest / solve a great problem
NOT NECESSARILY GOOD PEOPLE!

4. Heracles / Hercules

5. Perseus

6. Helen of Troy

7. Cultural Heroes Specific to a culture
Usually either religious or historical
Usually people who have accomplished great deeds
Like “classical” heroes, they are not necessarily good people

8. Noah

9. Rostam and Sohrab

10. King Arthur

11. Guan Yu

12. Zeus

13. Isis

14. Michael Phelps

15. Modern Heroes Ordinary person, extraordinary circumstances
While the hero may not have great power or intelligence, he/she makes up for it by being a good person
Usually brave. Not always smart. But almost always good.

16. Harry Potter

17. Luke Skywalker

18. Sailor Moon

19. Edward Elric

20. Superman, Wonder Woman, Batman