Notes: The Characteristics of the Greek Hero
1. Having one immortal parent (demi-god)
2. Being born into royalty
3. Having an unusual conception or birth
4. Being favored by the gods
5. Being the subject of a prophesy (oracle)
6. Being abandoned at birth or while very young
7. Performing an amazing feat at a young age
8. Going on a quest, Kleo (Kleoi) muse sings of heroics; Aristea – epic mortal poet
9. Traveling to the underworld
10. Marrying a princess
11. Dying an ignoble death; hubris – character flaw
These mythological heroes were not always role models or possessed of heroic
virtue. The age when heroes of this sort were active, and where the stories of
Greek mythology were set, is frequently known as the "heroic age;" the heroic
age ends shortly after the Trojan War is over and the legendary combatants have
returned to home or exile.