What makes a person a hero in Ancient Greece?

Question

What qualities or accomplishments must the person do?

Answer 1

If you read greek mythology such as Homer or Plato a Hero is generally someone who performs great feats in battle. Unfortunately more credit is given to men like Heracles (Hercules in Roman) and Achilles than to men like Ajax, Diomed, and Odysseus. Ajax (according to Homer) slew an entire Phalanx on his own and only retreated from Hector when Zeus interfered. Diomed likewise only retreated when Zeus threw lightning bolts at him to aid Hector and before that slew several Trojan heros on his own. Odysseus is known more for his cunning than for his valor but Homer records him as being one of the most valiant Greek warriors. It is easy to be a "hero" when you are like Achilles or Hercules and have immortal strength. After all if you know you have divine help You can face any challenge without fear. It takes greater courage to face death as a simple mortal and still do what you know you have to.

Answer 2

The two previous answers are both excellent although if you preferred a slightly less technical definition of "Hero" in ancient Greece you might want to consider that the Greeks held those who demonstrated athletic prowess in high esteem as well as those who sacrificed their time, effort and skills for the betterment of the community or who generally made life better for all. As such a hero could be defined as a physician or philosopher or inventor as well as an athlete. Of course that would be in addition to fighting monsters of being a great warrior.

Answer 3

Do you mean " hero " as in Herakles ( Hercules ) ? Heroes had to fulfill certain tasks, go on quests, slay terrible beasts or face foes like Medusa or Gorgons. Many heroes of other cultures had to do the same things, although the " Quest " is a constant theme in mythology.

Answer 4

The Greek word "heroon" is used for valiant warriors. For instance, in the prooemium (opening lines) of the Iliad, it is said that Achilles' stubborn refusion to fight "... hurt many Greek warrior and sent the sould of many 'heroons' to Hades..."

In mythological stories, a hero usually has a non-human parent. For instance, Achilles mother was sea nymph Thetis; Heracles was the son of Zeus; Aeneas the son of Venus; and so on.