To define a “hero” is not to define the substance of a culture, but its projected ideals. Whether these heroes are farmers with pitchforks, noblemen with books, warriors in war, fewer dreams removed from the world, or scholars of humble beginnings, we cannot look at them without seeing what their admirers want to be. .
Greek heroes differ from American heroes in three distinct ways: Reason, requirements, and rewards. Since no hero shares the same characteristics in the same way, there are three general parts of the hero’s character that must be mentioned if one is to define the differences and similarities of the characters.
The reasons for which the Greek heroes tried to become heroes were different from those of the American heroes. The causes of the fame of the hero of Graius revolved. Desiring fame, they pursued immortality for themselves through their discoveries. However, American heroes do not contend to become heroes. They were simply people who wanted a change in their circumstances, and they asserted their feelings in bold and surprising ways. Either military or political powers such as George Washington or Abraham Lincoln, or civil rights activists such as Martin Luther King. Ir, these men fought for social change, equality, freedom, and opportunity in order to reach a vision that was so enticing in themselves. While the Greeks thrived in the struggle (and so did their heroes), Americans formed a society and industry of heroes. United together with the concept of the nation.
The Greeks did not train their heroes like the Americans. Most of the Greek requirements for a hero relate much to dignity and strength, and little to the attributes of honors—a concept entirely foreign to Americans. “The heroes of Greek mythology – from Perseus and Heraclides to Achilles and Ulysses” share certain characteristics or experiences: a parent or ancestor god, physical strength, mind and skill, performing “impossible feats”, encountering chthonic forces. (Often the actual journey to Hell), and to seek immortality” (Harris and Platzner)
This opposes American ideology by ignoring nobility, intelligence, elegance and leadership. While some Greek heroes may hold some of these characteristics, these are not the altruists who American made heroes to be Much of what was done was rarely (if ever) for the good of Greek society, nor for anyone but himself. Most of them, like Achilles in the Iliad, were quite the opposite. Achilles’ lust for blood could do nothing to spread good through his company. American heroes become heroes for achieving the American ideals of life, liberty, or “all are created equal.”
The rewards received by the Greek heroes have almost the same causes as in the studies. They found what they were looking for. They were regarded as immortals because they had succeeded in destroying the heroes, whose descendants would bear their children, or in the ages of so many heroes, they were mentioned only second to the gods.
But American heroes are not just heroes. They are rebels, role models, and sometimes even martyrs. Their rewards are not in the form of pride, fame, or an ego boost. American heroes are given to society because their perseverance and kindness have helped to promote it. Our heroes in America are not remembered as men of great courage and skill, but men of great character are honored and worshiped.
There are of course other differences between Greek and American heroes. Greek di heroes were considered and often compared to each other. Jupiter in the Iliad was pitted against Neptune and the Greeks with Hector. While these gods seem to want their own revenge, pride and strife, the American heroes seem to only be driven and commanded by God to achieve their dreams, along with dreams of the entire American nation.
