Learn about the evolution of the definition of a hero from ancient Greeks to modern times
Learn about the evolution of the definition of a hero from ancient Greeks to modern times
A look at how the definition of a hero has changed through the ages.
© Open University (A Britannica Publishing Partner)
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© Open University (A Britannica Publishing Partner)A look at how the definition of a hero has changed through the ages.
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Transcript
In Batman versus Superman, Lex Luthor says, do you know the oldest lie in America? It's that power can be innocent. In the film, Bruce Wayne decides that Superman is just too powerful and needs to be stopped because he's a danger to society.
Now apart from being a great excuse to get two superheroes to pummel each other, this also reflects on the ancient Greek idea of what heroes were like. Nowadays, hero is positive word. We use it for people who do brave and selfless things, like pulling a child from a burning building or saving the earth from an alien invasion.
But to the ancient Greeks, a hero wasn't necessarily good, just larger than life. Heroes might be good at particular things. They're usually strong, brave, and single minded. But they often take these qualities too far, and that can make them egotistical, violent, and cruel.
It's no coincidence that Greek tragedy tends to show heroes coming a cropper because they can't moderate their behavior. They also end up hurting those around them, exactly what Batman's trying to prevent Superman from doing.
Now apart from being a great excuse to get two superheroes to pummel each other, this also reflects on the ancient Greek idea of what heroes were like. Nowadays, hero is positive word. We use it for people who do brave and selfless things, like pulling a child from a burning building or saving the earth from an alien invasion.
But to the ancient Greeks, a hero wasn't necessarily good, just larger than life. Heroes might be good at particular things. They're usually strong, brave, and single minded. But they often take these qualities too far, and that can make them egotistical, violent, and cruel.
It's no coincidence that Greek tragedy tends to show heroes coming a cropper because they can't moderate their behavior. They also end up hurting those around them, exactly what Batman's trying to prevent Superman from doing.