Throughout history, epic heroes have been born 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 for being heroes. My English class learned about seven heroes who are crucial to the epic story. Everyone brings their own spice to the table, even to the round table. The seven heroes who can be compared in the story are Achilles, Odysseus, Aeneas, Socrates, Gilgamesh, Beowulf and Arthur: and they can be because they are seven of the most important characters in the history of the humanity. 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 truly 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 spirit. He was the greatest warrior of his time, and perhaps of all time. "He has all the characteristics of a great warrior and indeed proves to be the most powerful man in the Achaean army, but his deep character flaws consistently hinder 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 doesn't think he can be destroyed. But it is destroyed. Then, 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, but he should have. Ulysses was also the ma...... middle of paper ......Np, nd Web. November 10, 2013. Krause, Chris. “The noblest hero.” The faith of a heratic. Np, and Web. November 10, 2013. .Lawler, Peter Augustine. “Our hero Socrates.” The Clarion magazine. Np, and Web. November 10, 2013. .Mitchell, Stephen. “Gilgamesh and Enkidu versus modern hero standards.” abneydp. Np, and Web. November 10, 2013. .Snede, Jason. “King Arthur.” Wyoming PBS. Np, and Web. November 10, 2013. .Whitman, Arthur. “Analysis of major characters.” Notes of sparkle. Np, and Web. November 10. 2013. .