How do modern heros compare with ancient Greek heros?

Question

The ancient greek religion centered around hero stories where heros sacrificed life or happiness with little in return. And they were always struggling against their gods. They were not ever trying to gain favor. They were many times victims of god's whims.

They weren't gaining everlasting life, or god's favor, or appreciation. Oedipus is a good example of that, as is Prometheus, Elektra, and Odysseus. Instead they were giving up everything based on what they knew to be right (or fame-sometimes).

Right and wrong were not determined by the gods at that point. So, what do you think that says about their religion and heros compared to modern religions and heros? And do you think their heros were more noble than ours, since ours expect heaven?

Which is why this is in the religion section. I don't want to hear any back talk about that. It's a pretty straight forward question.

10 pts to the best answer!!!!!

This isn't for a class. I'm done with schools. I just can't get this idea right in my head. It just sits there unresolved, and I want to know if other people have something that will clarify it for me.

I'm not knocking heros, it's not the hero that I'm interested in. It's the people that look at heros and praise them. It's that alot of greek heros are broken and humiliated at the end of the stories. We don't usually have those now. Broken heros. And that certainly isn't the point of the story, but it seems to be the point of alot of greek myths. I just wonder about it.

And there wasn't heaven to console yourself with when your heros were broken. It was never going to be ok for them. It was always going to be awful. That's why I'm interested.

Answer 1

I think you are painting the Greek Heroes in a bit too fond of a light. While heroic, certainly, it was their belief that the only real immortality was to be remembered by those that come after you .... there was a very self centered side to it all.

All in all I would like to think a hero is a hero ... the only thing that has really changed is the things one does to become one.

Answer 2

I think the major difference between modern heros and the heros from ancient greek religion is that modern heros typically understand the situation better than the ancient greek heros.

Many times, the greek heros were against forces that were mysterious or unknown. The hero was more likely to encounter situations unaware of what would be required. They became heros by risking everything in an attempt to prevail.

Modern heros typically have a better understanding of the risk prior to entering the situation. A firefighter is able to assess the situation and makes a choice.

Is it more heroic to assess a situation and take a risk or to go into a situation and accept the risk when it is thrust upon you?

I think the answer can depend. However, when the situation is unknown, there is always the possibility that things are worse than you can imagine, which is why I think the greek heros are often the "model" of heroic.

Answer 3

Well, according to the Classical Greek conception of a hero--especially a 'tragic hero' in drama,as defined by Aristotle in the 'Poetics'--the hero had typically to be of high, exalted status, background, rank, character etc.
I think that in literature, at least, the modern hero can be just about anyone. The focus has shifted to the life/lives of ordinary people. As I see it, this is the major difference.

Answer 4

Why in the world would you assume that any modern-day hero "expects heaven"? Not all heroic people are Christian, or even religious.

I would consider an agnostic fireman who saves lives to be a hero. He or she does it because of care for other human beings. This is true heroism.

I also think many writers are heroic in their push for clear thinking, compassion and understanding of the human condition. Many of these writers are not religious and don't "expect heaven" as a reward.

A scientist who discovers a cure for a disease is heroic to me. Who cares whether he expects heaven or not?

Answer 5

today it seems like you can be a hero for the following: A. Joining the military. It doesn't matter if you actually do ANYTHING. You're a hero. B. Help an old lady across the road. (Totally not common courtesy). C. Give a homeless man a shoe (If you're a cop).

Answer 6

Some modern heroes like Mandela or Ghandi did the same, they were fighting for what they felt was right. I doubt they were thinking about going to heaven.

Answer 7

well, i think that most of the Greek heroes were more used as devices to explain why things are, and as such their feelings about things didn't matter... like Prometheus and why we have fire... its a creation story of fire, not of his heroic struggle to bring it to us really. thats why they arent trying to curry favor with anyone ... since its a story to expalin something that already exists.
and the heroes of 9/11 do pale all other people in history... and ouir troops... support our troops you godless hippy...

Answer 8

Sept.11 World trade center, every police offficer, every firefighter,every paramedic, every person in those building that day, and who sacrificed their lives with the hope of saving just"one more". to me, causes the ancient Greek heroes to pale to alomst invisibility by example.

Answer 9

Is this an essay assignment for a Summer School class?