Throughout history, epic heroes have arisen in many ways. Through real life, through stories, etc. They come from all kinds of different cultures. They come in many different shapes and sizes. Everyone is different in almost every way. Except being heroes. There are seven heroes that my English class learned about that are crucial to the history of epic stories. Everyone brings their own spice to the table, or maybe even a round table. The seven heroes who can be compared in history are Achilles, Ulysses, Aeneas, Socrates, Gilgamesh, Beowulf and Arthur: and they can be so because they are seven of the most important characters in human history. To begin with, the first epic hero in history who is important is the great Greek, Achilles. Achilles is important for many reasons. First of all, he is considered the first true epic hero. The story really comes to life in the Iliad. Where he fights the Trojans and his own Greeks. He was his own warrior; he didn't want anyone to take control of him. Achilles was strong in body and not so much in mind. He was the greatest warrior of his time, and perhaps ever. “He has all the makings of a great warrior, and indeed proves himself to be the most powerful man in the Achaean army, but his profound character flaws consistently impede his ability to act with nobility and integrity.” (Whitman) At the end of the Iliad, this is what kills him. He acts with his body and does not think he can be destroyed. But it is destroyed. Next, the second hero was actually a very good friend of Achilles and fought alongside him, this is Odysseus. If you didn't know, Odysseus was also a great warrior; he fought with courage and strength. He wasn't afraid to fight any man, he should have though. Odysseus was also the principal......middle of paper......Np, nd Web. November 10, 2013. Krause, Chris. "The most noble hero." The faith of an angry man. Np, nd Web. 10 November 2013. .Lawler, Peter Augustine. "Our hero Socrates." The Clarion review. Np, nd Web. 10 November 2013. .Mitchell, Stephen. "Gilgamesh and Enkidu against the banners of modern heroes." abneydp. Np, nd Web. November 10, 2013. .Snede, Jason. "King Arthur." Wyoming PBS. Np, nd Web. 10 November 2013. .Whitman, Arthur. "Analysis of the main characters". Notes of sparkle. Np, nd Web. November 10. 2013. .