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Throughout the rich tapestry of Greek hero myths, protagonists often face daunting challenges and tasks that they must overcome. In Edith Hamilton's "Mythology," the character Hercules endeavors to achieve atonement by blindly accepting all the challenges set forth by Eurystheus. In stark contrast, the modern hero Spiderman, as depicted in Stan Lee's novels, approaches his actions with careful consideration and strategic thinking.
Greek heroes, exemplified by figures like Hercules, display a brand of heroism not commonly found in modern myths.
These ancient heroes often embark on perilous journeys, encountering mythical creatures and undertaking tasks that require brute strength rather than intellectual prowess. Hercules, for instance, seeks atonement for his grievous acts against his own family and is tasked with completing twelve challenging labors, one of which involves descending into the underworld to retrieve Cerberus, the three-headed dog.
Hamilton recounts Hercules' remarkable feat: "He lifted him and carried him all the way up to earth and on to Mycenae" (Hamilton 174).
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This arduous task demands not only immense strength but also unparalleled courage. The entirety of Hercules' twelve labors emphasizes physical prowess over intellectual acumen, setting a distinctive tone for Greek heroism.
It is noteworthy that all twelve tasks assigned to Hercules rely on sheer strength, devoid of intellectual complexities. Unlike modern counterparts, ancient Greek heroes often engaged in senseless killing and feats of strength without strategic considerations. In contrast, the evolution of heroism is evident in modern myths, with characters like Spiderman relying on a combination of strength and intelligence.
In stark contrast to the brainless heroism of Greek myths, modern heroes like Spiderman operate with a blend of strength and intelligence. Spiderman, as depicted by Stan Lee, exemplifies a hero who not only relies on physical prowess but also employs strategic thinking to overcome challenges. An illustrative example is when the Green Goblin binds Spiderman, prompting him to "quickly think how to escape" (Lee 87).
This strategic approach marks a departure from the traditional Greek hero model. Unlike Hercules, Spiderman's heroic deeds are characterized by intelligence and careful planning. Modern mythologies depict heroes who consider the consequences of their actions and employ wit to navigate through challenges, reflecting a shift in societal values and expectations surrounding heroism.
Another key distinction between Greek and modern heroism lies in the motivation behind heroic acts. Greek heroes, such as Hercules, often serve their communities as a means of atoning for past sins. In Hercules' case, the madness that led him to commit unspeakable acts against his own family becomes the driving force for his subsequent heroic deeds.
Hamilton narrates the tragic events: "He killed his children and Megara, too, as she tried to protect the youngest" (Hamilton 169). Hercules, overwhelmed with guilt, seeks redemption by undertaking tasks set by Eurystheus. This quest for atonement is a recurring theme in Greek myths, with heroes attempting to right the wrongs of their past through self-imposed challenges.
On the contrary, modern heroes like Spiderman serve their communities willingly, aiming to create a safe and secure environment for all. Spiderman willingly risks his life to protect his community, reflecting a shift from the concept of atonement to a more altruistic and community-focused motivation for heroism. The evolution of heroism in modern myths emphasizes the importance of considering others and performing deeds for the greater good.
In conclusion, the evolution of heroism from ancient Greek myths to modern narratives is evident in the contrasting characteristics of heroes like Hercules and Spiderman. While Hercules embodies a form of heroism marked by brainless courage and a quest for atonement, Spiderman represents a new era of heroes who combine strength with intelligence and serve their communities willingly.
Modern myths no longer center around the concept of atonement; instead, heroes are driven by a genuine desire to contribute to the well-being of their communities. This shift in heroism reflects changing societal values and expectations, ultimately defining what makes a hero in the eyes of contemporary audiences.
Evolution of Heroism: A Comparative Analysis of Greek and Modern Myths. (2016, May 08). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/difference-in-hercules-and-spiderman-essay
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