Powerful+Hero-Written+Paper

Heroes have been around for many centuries. In Greek Mythology and folklore a hero was originally a demi-god, the offspring of a mortal and a diety. A diety is a supernatural being of significant power. (*1) Heroes and heroines now reflect characters that display courage, and self-sacrifice in the face of danger and adversity. This heroism is for some greater good. Heroes are noble, respectful of most other people, generous, and persistent. They are also honest, trustworthy, intelligent, and mentally strong. (*2) Heroes fight for the lives of others, no matter what danger it puts them in.While Perseus is a powerful mythological hero, Beowulf is a legendary one. Modern culture is filled with a wide range of heroes. Powerful heroes from modern culture, include Superman and Obi-Wan Kenobi of //Star Wars//.

Perseus was the son of Zeus and Danae. Danae's father, king Acrisius, learned of a prophecy that said his only daughter's child would one day kill him. Acrisius locked Danae up, but Perseus was born anyway. Acrisius then sent Danae and Perseus out to sea, not knowing they were being guided by Zeus. The two were taken in by the fisherman Dicty. Years later his brother King Polydectes fell in love with Danae, but couldn't force her into marriage because Perseus was protecting her. (*3) Polydectes sent Perseus to kill the snake-haired gorgon Medusa, who turned all who saw her into stone.

Perseus went to the gorgon's sisters, the Graeae. (Gray) He took their only eye and tooth and agreed to give them back only if they helped him. The Graeae gave him a sandal that enabled him to fly, a satchel to carry Medusa's head, and a cap that made him invisible. He cut off the gorgon's head while looking at he reflection. (*4) On his way home Perseus found Andromeda chained to a rock, waiting to be sacrificed to a sea monster. Perseus used Medusa's head to turn the monster to stone and rescued her. (*5) While competing in some games, Perseus threw a discus that ended up killing Acrisius. When Andromeda and Perseus returned Polydectes was turned to stone, saving Perseus's mother. Perseus remained faithful to Andromeda throughout their entire marriage. (*6)

Beowulf was a young warrior who heard about a monster, Grendel, that was terriorizing Danish King Hroogar and his people. Beowulf and his men spend the night at the king's great hall, Heorot. when Grendel enters and attacks, Beowulf pretends to be asleep, grabs his arm and tears it off. Grendel runs home and dies. The next day, Grendel's mother attacks the hall. Beowulf goes to her home, and after fighting, beheads her. After Beowulf becomes king, a dragon attacks to get revenge for a cup that had been stolen from him. Beowulf, with the help of a warrior, Wiglaf, kills the dragon, but Beowulf dies from the wounds he received. (*7)

Superman was born on the planet Krypton. He was sent to earth before his planet was destroyed. He was adopted by a farmer and his wife who named him Clark Kent. When Clark matures he develops superhuman abilities. He resolves to use these to benefit humanity, from saving cities from bombs, to rescuing children from drowning. His nicknames include; "The Man of Steel," "The Man of Tomorrow," and "The Last Son of Krypton." Superman possesses superhuman strength, speed, stamina, durability, and senses. He also has freezing breathe, heat vision, x-ray vision, and the ability to fly. Superman is most vulnerable to kryptonite. (*8)

Obi-Wan Kenobi, of the //Star Wars// films, starts out as a jedi apprentice, he then becomes a jedi master. He trains Anakin Skywalker who would become the infamous "Darth Vader." Obi-Wan Kenobi then comes into contact with the son of Vader, Luke Skywalker. Obi-Wan saves Luke from the Tusken Raiders, or sand people. Luke is then trained in the force by Jedi Kenobi. (*9) Throughout his jedi days, Obi-Wan fought many evil forces, but never with any wavering loyalty, or regrets for the side he had chosen to be on. Obi-Wan sacrifices himself to help Luke and the other rebel alliance members. Kenobi becomes more powerful without his body, by being better able to use the force. Without his body, Obi-Wan communicates to Luke, helping him to destroy Darth Vader's Death Star, thus saving many planets. Obi-Wan fought to save and help those he cared about without worrying about the consequences or danger it put him in.

The powerful hero archetype exists because people like to see good in evil. It's nice to see good in a world full of evil and hatred. Most people like to know that the good will triumph over the evil. Heroes are the ones who protect the weak and small. They do what they can to protect others no matter what danger it may put them in.

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