Anglo-Saxon Hero: Beowulf

     Displays great courage through his deeds Faces overwhelming/impossible odds Death is honorable if he dies fighting for a cause In it for the glory; reputation of being well-known This is a character that Anglo Saxons idolized and worshipped

How we define heroes today…

   Heroes are people who transform compassion (a personal virtue) into heroic action (a civic virtue). In doing so, they put their best selves forward in service to humanity. A hero is as an individual or a network of people that take action on behalf of others in need, or in defense of integrity or a moral cause.

Heroic action is: ◦ Engaged in voluntarily; ◦ Conducted in service to one or more people or the community as a whole; ◦ Involving a risk to physical comfort, social stature, or quality of life; and ◦ Initiated without the expectation of material gain.

Heroism is not random acts of kindness, as great as they are. Heroism is very distinct. A hero is not someone you simply admire or respect.

American Heroes

 Unknown hero or the common man; real hero by definition  Athletes, actors, singers who are idolized by society; pseudo hero

Heroes vs. Celebrities

Read the following article

• 1. Highlight the difference the differences between a hero and a celebrity • 2. Identify the author’s purpose: is it to entertain? Convince a reader of a belief? Inform or educate? • 3. Extended response: Why does our society idolize celebrities (singers, actors, athletes)? Why is little recognition given to the ‘common man’ like firefighters, police officers, teachers, doctors, etc…

Your challenge…

 Ask five people who or what makes a hero and record (tape) his/her response.