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Heroes, Heroism & Hero-worship

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Attached is my assignment for my mythology class. I am not asking you to do the paper, but to get some help with the research. This class has me struggling. I have done some searching on the web and I can't come up with a modern day hero much less myths about them. Any help is appreciated.

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Solution Summary

This is a 2-part solution for you. One to guide on the subject matter at hand (What makes a hero) and the other is an essay that tackles the subject matter of hero, heroism and what constitutes modern-heroes and hero-worship; it also provides a brief history of the concept of heroes & heorism from the Age of Antitquity . Attached is a word version of the solution for easy printing. The essay is written in APA-style.

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Dear Student,

I have provided a 2-part solution for you. One to guide you on the subject matter at hand and the other is a sample answer you can use to base your own essay on. Attached is a word version of the solution - print it for your guidance.

OTA 105878
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(Part 1 - Your Guide)

Defining Heroism & Hero Worship

Before we start looking at possible choices you can use for this paper, let's look at the idea of heroism and the prevalence of hero worship in any culture. You mentioned having difficulty in this particular class; that's alright - everyone struggles, in my undergrad days I nearly failed applied calculus. The idea of heroes, heroism, and idolization are not unique to a particular culture or a period in history. While the word 'Hero' by etymology traces its origins to the Greek antiquity (Hero was a demigod, son of Hero and protector of the oppressed for the greater good), one can postulate that every civilization has its own set of 'Heroes', fictional or based on an actual historical figures.

In its simplest incarnation a Hero is that character either in Myth or in History that champion's justice, putting himself on the line for a cause. This is heroism. Bravery, courage, wisdom and the drive to see his actions for the cause through is seen as essential elements of his person. His actions might bring the greatest suffering to the hero or the heroine (when the crusader is a female); despite this, the hero soldiers on and triumphs over the adversities. His life or her life story centered on the events which made him a champion of that cause becomes that inspiration to others, those who learn of his acts look up to him & emulate him. To those he inspires, he symbolizes what to them is right and great, encouraging them to be more to achieve on their own. In the Age of antiquity hero-worship often times translates to deifying the Hero being put on a pedestal. For example, in Ancient Egypt, Pharaohs are heroes to their people for providing the people of the kingdom with grain & water & protecting them from the threat of the war while making sure that the Gods rain graces on them. For this, they are deified. Never mind that Pharaohs already claim being part-God, the Egyptians, when ruled by a good Pharaoh come together into what we now term as cults to worship the Pharaoh for all that he can offer them. In Ancient China, Confucius was a phenomenal teacher-Philosopher, travelling around the Middle Kingdom to share his views on life, preaching peace, reason, responsibility, grace, equality & justice. His wisdom maintained an ancient China that struggled with politics, poverty, warfare & corruption. His philosophies & teaching were bound into the classic Far Eastern Philosophy Book, "The Analects" and his students like Lao Tzu continued his teachings reaching the heart of the Imperial Court. His philosophies & teachings are now at the heart of the Chinese outlook & are adopted by many as their own 'faith', deifying Confucius into a wise demi-god.

In Ancient Greek & Rome, the classic strong-man mythic hero is seen in the likes of Perseus, Odysseus & Hercules, fictional & mythological characters all; Rome however elevated their emperor, soldiers & politicians to hero status with Julius Caesar, Mark Anthony & Augustus having had their own 'sea of fans & worshippers. Fandom, that notion of liking a celebrity should never be mistaken for hero worship however. Admiration is different from seeing a character as one's own hero. For example, in ancient Rome, a spectator is bound to like a particular Gladiator for his strength & wrestling skills but that is all. To be a gladiator means to be a slave ordered to fight to live another day and that's not a position many would wish on themselves. Today, celebrities get ...

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