Heroes Of Antiquity

Juan Pablo Servin
World Literature
Professor Anival Gonzalez
October 12, 2012
Heroes of Antiquity
What characteristics make up a hero, who are they, and what do theyhave in common? Do heroes exist or are they just myth and legends? Over the years since ancient times, different cultures have left evidence or documents describing amazing people. Some have doneamazing things for the welfare of their civilizations, while setting aside personal interests. There are stories of heroes who have fought for the good of their country and people, and have left theirnames engraved in the history of the world for future generations and to be an example and role model.
Despite the difference in time and cultures, it is very interesting to see the characteristicsthat heroes share. Some of them come from a lineage of high social status as sovereigns or rulers of great civilizations. There are others who come from the bottom of the social scale, but all of themare: wise, strong, powerful, natural leaders, without fear of death, and able to keep their people safe from harm. The heroes share a great ability in the art of war. All heroes have the help of thegods or some kind of spiritual or extraterrestrial force, while obtaining from them wisdom, guidance, and spiritual strength. Three of the heroes of antiquity that share these characteristics areGilgamesh, Sinuhe, and Beowulf. The Epic of Gilgamesh, a historical figure and sovereign who reigned over the Sumerian City of Uruk around 2700 B.C. Long after his death, people worshipped Gilgamesh,renowned as a warrior and builder, and widely celebrated his wisdom and judiciousness. Gilgamesh was described as two-thirds god and one-third man. He built magnificent ziggurats, or temple towers,surrounded his city with high walls, and laid out its
orchards and fields. He was physically beautiful, immensely strong, and very wise. Sinuhe from the early 20th century B.C. was a wise and courageous...