Date of Award

Spring 2018

Presentation Date

2017

Document Type

Senior Essay

First Advisor

Kenneth Cardwell

Abstract

Everyone adores heroes. Tales of character performing heroic deeds began before writing even existed in oral stories passed down over generations. The definition of what makes a person “heroic” has evolved over time; our modern understanding of heroes differs greatly from that of the ancient Greeks. Yet despite these differences, some characters transcend the boundaries of society to become heroes immortalized in all cultures for all time. . . . I personally love heroes. I love reading how they overcome all the obstacles in their path. They hold values which are the most embodied virtues of their society. But I wonder, do societies create their own heroes? Or do heroes create societies?

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