Ancient Greek Heroes VS. Modern Day Heroes

Heroes in Greek/Anglo-Saxon (I am grouping the types of historical literature we have read) writing are very obvious and much of ancient Greek literature involves a central hero or a supernatural story. In modern day English, however, the plots are less often mythical and more realistic. Since each person has a different definition for heroism, modern day heroism literature can be more varied. Ancient Greek writing is very often far-fetched, however.

There are many similarities and differences between the two types of writing, but first I will run through the most significant differences. In Greek mythology, heroes were often religious figures, like demigods, while modern day writing focuses more on ordinary people. This could be because authors nowadays want the readers to be able to relate with the heroes in their stories. Greek writing had heroes that had the power to protect or destroy the people depending on prevailing circumstances. In contrast, modern day heroes are acknowledged based on doing good deeds for humanity, and are not feared as much as ancient Greek writing portrays heroes. For instance, Beowulf was a hero that was seen as a viscous warrior, so he was still feared even though he fought on behalf of his people. However, many modern heroes in writing are not feared, but admired. For instance, a firefighter is one of the most common heroes in modern day writing/life.

Following the differences, there are many similarities between Anglo-Saxon writing and present day writing. The heroes in both of these types of writing has to go through a lot of difficulties that will test and try them. Even though the obstacles in modern day literature may not be monsters or supernatural figures, there is still the same outcome of greatness. The heroes have to overcome terrible odds to do something for others or like many Greek pieces, die trying yet accomplish something great for the community. There are, however, times that heroes in modern day writing die for their people - a firefighter is one example again. In both types of literature, there are often heroic characters that do good deeds for their own personal glory or gain, which are different than the selfless types we see a lot in either kind of literature.

Reading Greek, Anglo-Saxon, and modern literature in class has helped me realize that there are many similar and different traits between the types and how their characters' hero journey plays out.