Heroes Comparison

Throughout history, society has become accustomed with what they believe a hero should be but as each generation passes, this thought has shifted. Whether an immortal God with superhuman abilities or an average person who is giving everything they have to defend his or her people, heroes will rise when needed. The stories of Beowulf, Achilles, and Aeneas provide the reader with an example of what society of that time viewed a hero as and how they can compare with one another. Homer’s Iliad shows the reader whom ancient society believed a hero to be. It was written in a time when society relied on those strong enough and brave enough to rule the people. This was perfect for the character, Achilles, because in the Iliad he is described to be “godlike” (Iliad, 131) and “swift-footed” (Iliad, 121) suggesting he had superhuman traits such as strength and speed. These qualities worked to his benefit in battle and give him the “Hero” title he deserved. His story tells of his success on the battlefield and his defeat over Hector. Even though Achilles was seen as a hero to his people, he was not always emotionally sound. Achilles once gave up his wife, Breseis, to stop the god Apollo from sending a plague upon the Greek army. When the plague stopped, the battle roared on but Achilles did not participate. He was angered that his wife and prized possession was taken from him. It was not until his best friend, Patrocius, was killed that Achilles, out of complete fury, joined back in the battle to kill any Trojan standing in his way of revenge. His acts of solitude and revenge show where Achilles lack of devotion was to his people. He fought to protect them but his pride and reputation clouded his judgment in some situations. In Virgil’s Aeneid the reader is shown who classical society saw their hero to be. It follows the story of Aeneas who was an honorable leader to his people and a selfless hero for them to follow. His devotion to his people can be seen in how he