Greek Mythology: Is Hercules A Hero?

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A hero is a person, typically a man, who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities. In greek mythology, Hercules is the best and well known hero. But did Hercules live up to that standard? To my eyes heroes are the ones saving other people's lives with no reward after, it’s being selfless, it’s putting your life at the line for good. In greek mythology I find that Hercules is not a hero, because is he was not brave, he was selfish, and he was a liar. If I ever needed saving, I would hope it's not him trying to rescue me. Hercules was not brave because he was born with unnatural powers that made him invisible. His father was Zeus and mother Alcmene, she was a mortal, therefore Hercules was half god half human (Infoplease) . “He was known for his exceptional strength, even surpassing many gods,” (Greek Gods). Greek gods had so much power, they were able to change into animals, humans, or gold rain. They could do anything they wanted and for Hercules to surpass…show more content…
In the news, a man of Murfreesboro Fire and Rescue Department was honored with the Hero Award by the Rutherford County NAACP. Robert took a man out of a burning SUV when he was off duty. Robert didn’t have his equipment but he got the man out safe and sound (Reeves). The fireman could've just waited for someone else to help. He could of not risked his own life being unprotected from the burning fire but, being selfless is heroic. Hercules was only for himself. In each labor he only was helping himself for him to have salvation. If Hercules story was in modern day this is what would've happened, he would be sent to jail, he would of cried about it wanting to get out, someone would show him his get out of jail for free pass, and he would of taken it. Why, because the “hero” only cared about was the consequences he had to serve from killing his own
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