http://www.rci.rutgers.edu/~edmunds/def.hero.html
Definition of "hero"
American Heritage Dictionary
1. In mythology and legend, a man, often of divine ancestry, who is endowed with great courage and strength, celebrated for his bold exploits, and favored by the gods.
2. A person noted for feats of courage or nobility of purpose, especially one who has risked or sacrificed his or her life: soldiers and nurses who were heroes in an unpopular war.
3. A person noted for special achievement in a particular field: the heroes of medicine. See Synonyms at celebrity.*
4. The principal male character in novel, poem, or dramatic presentation. See Usage Note at heroine.**
* SYNONYMS: celebrity, hero, luminary, name, notable, personage. The central meaning shared by these nouns is "a widely known person": social celebrities,; the heroes of science; a theatrical luminary; a big name in sports; a notable of the concert stage; a personage in the field of philosophy.
**The word hero should no longer be regarded as restricted to men in the sense "a person noted for courageous action," though heroine is always restricted to women. The distinction between hero and heroine is still useful, however, in referring to the principal character of a fictional work, inasmuch as the virtues and qualities that become a traditional literary heroine like Elizabeth Bennet or Isabel Archer are generally quite different from those that become a traditional literary hero like Tom Sawyer or Huckleberry Finn.
Definition of a Hero
A Hero
Has some unusual qualities that separates her from the average person. In Greek mythology, a hero was often of divine origin, being the progeny of a deity.
Can be defined as a person who acts in a way that benefits the greater good of her society.
Interacts not only with society, but with mythology as well. (Though the line between myth and society is far from clear-cut.) There is a mythological significance to her actions. I am not just talking about going on heroquests. A myth is a symbolic story. Myth has meaning.
Must act with social, political and mythological impact. In the wake of the hero follows change. And this is really what the Hero Wars are all about, I believe. "The world is ending. What will you do about it?"An individual's answer to that question, tells us weather she is a potential hero or not.
Is defined by action not potential.
QUALITIES OF A HERO
Sacrifice is the forfeiture of something highly valued for the sake of one considered to have a greater value or claim.
Determination is a fixed intention or resolution; a firmness of purpose or resolve.
Loyalty is the feeling of allegiance or the act of binding oneself to a course of action .
Courage is that firmness of spirit and swell of soul which meets danger without fear.
Dedication is a selfless devotion; complete and whole hearted fidelity or the act of binding oneself to a course of action.
Intrepidity is firm, unshaken courage.
Valor is courage exhibited in war, and can not be applied to single combats.
Selfless is the quality of unselfish concern for the welfare of others and acting with less concern for yourself.
Conviciton is a fixed or strong belief; a necessity of the mind or an unshakable belief.
Focused is the ability to direct one's energy toward a particular point or purpose; to concentrate one's energy.
Gallantry is adventurous courage, which courts danger with a high and cheerful spirit.
Perseverance is a persistent determination.
Fortitude has often been styled "passive courage," and consists in the habit of encountering danger and enduring pain with a steadfast and unbroken spirit.
Bravery is daring and impetuous courage, like that of one who has the reward continually in view, and displays his courage in daring acts.
There are soooo many correlations with the definitions/characteristics of Heroes and characteristics of Trauma survivors that I was wondering if I was looking in the mirror. Then I realized that we would never have Heroes without adversity. And what is trauma
but extreme adversity. It is in fact during trauma situations that Heroism reveals itself. It is during this revealing wisdom that it occurred to me that this can apply to any trauma, known or not. The Heros seem to be easily seen in catastrophes such as 911. In all of these definitions though, I find it still hard to see myself as a Hero. Why?... perhaps because they are all societally based, with an attitude of selfishness. But if we perhaps dare to be creative and view these definitions with a different pair of glasses we can begin to see ourselves as the true heroes we have already created within.
By the very nature of trauma we symbolically split
part of us endures the hurt and pain whilst another part takes over and does what needs to be done to rescue that part in pain and gets them out of danger with whatever strengths one creatively has to utilize. Is it self-less on this heroic part of us?
Yes it is because dissociation is the one tool so many trauma survivors use to get them through the excruciating situation. This dissociated part of us sacrifices our ability to feel to protect and rescues true self that get hidden deep within. So I really do have all of the characteristics of a hero.
I have
Sacrificed my feelings with determination, courage and valor and was underlyingly dedicated and loyal to the preservation of true-self.
Persevered throughout the entirety of the trauma with focused conviction, bravery, gallantry, and fortitude.
Had the intrepidity and a self-lessness within the society of my person as a whole that the traumatic war can only be won by the enduring valor shown by my heroic part within me. Talk about deserving a medal of valor.
The only thing really left to do is to delve into ones own imagination and tell of my Heroic Actions throughout the trauma war and the Heroic Adventures as I brave the Quest of the Search for the New True-Self.
