What is a Hero?

Probably, the conventional perception of people on the word hero:

Heroes are the saviors of the day. They salvage certain event or people from the probable danger. They are the hope of everyone whenever things don’t fall into their places.

The word “hero” originated from Greece and was used in ancient mythology. Heroes are characterized by brute strength and possessing godlike powers. They are the ones who can defy all odds and turn the situation around. Their courage in facing problems, definitely, is inconceivable. Also, heroes can be described as the offspring of a mortal and a god.

In the real world, people from different ages perceive heroes differently:

One can be considered a hero if he/she does noble acts for the sake of humanity—just like how all young child considers them. When we ask who a hero is for a child, most probably they will answer fictional characters—the so-called superheroes. They are known for their supernatural powers. They come and save the day, fighting the bad guys, saving innocents lives, protecting establishments and other unimaginable things. One great example is the Justice League—a group of extraordinary individuals owning extra special powers. Superman, Batman, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, Hawk Girl, The Flash and Martian Manhunter are some prominent characters. As the young minds of these children develop, a concept of a truly powerful being for a hero grows as well. This would be the primary reason why young people are the ones having the most ambitious and highest standards for making heroes. But as one ages, the range and awareness on heroism widens as well.

When we ask the higher elementary and high school students—teens for short, the word hero forms a different image. Heroes, for them, are the fearless national heroes who sacrifice and devote their lives for the manhood and for the good of the nation, who fought for our freedom, do their best to save our motherland from inhumane ravages of the conquerors. Other heroes in this level include the Samaritans who share their blessings to the needy and the “holy people” who continue to inspire and promote the word of God in dark corners of the globe.

A level higher, the perspective of the matured minds of the adults about hero is that they are the people who contributed something valuable—even to the small scale of people. They imparted service and help for the goodness and better of the society. Examples of these heroes are the people who save someone from drowning. In the fundamental sense, we can say that this act only benefits one life but in the larger judgment, they helped and did something.

Everyone can be a hero. As we grow up, indeed the standards of being a hero become less ideal for we tend to learn and experience more on life. Doing selfless acts not only for himself but for the greater good. It's only the recognition and prominence that the society can offer. We can be a hero for our family, friends, peers, acquaintances and even to ourselves. All we need is strong motivation, good vision and mission purposive enough to touch lives.

Heroes risk their lives, save lives and touch lives.