Mythological heroes, both immortal and mortal, have common traits and flaws that make them archetypes for modern hero stories. Mortal heroes are often kings or sages who are aided by others, while immortals perform legendary deeds. Tragic flaws, such as arrogance, enhance their heroism but can lead to downfall.
Different types of heroes in mythology are often based on a number of common traits and attributes, and have largely become archetypes for modern hero stories. Many heroes that can be found in various myths are immortal or partially immortal due to some divine origin or kinship. There are also a number of mythological heroes who are not immortal. These mortal heroes are often mighty kings or sages, although there are a number of stories where the hero is aided by others in some way. Many heroes of mythology have some kind of flaw or tragic failure that simultaneously enhances their heroism and leads to their downfall.
Mythological heroes are characters who appear in a wide variety of mythological systems, who act in ways that are noteworthy or respectable. These characters often overcome some kind of evil or perform legendary deeds that make them seem beyond the reach of human behavior. Many of these heroes of mythology are gods or other immortal beings, usually the partially human offspring of gods or goddesses. While immortality in and of itself makes these characters notable, their actions usually enhance this status and may include slaying mythological beasts, saving or aiding mortals in some way, and challenging tyrants.
There are many heroes of mythology, however, who are neither immortal nor have divine parents. These mortal heroes are often stronger, smarter, or otherwise superior to “normal” people and demonstrate this superiority through heroic deeds that are beneficial to others. Such heroes are often seen in Norse mythology, where kings and warriors are responsible for slaying terrible beasts and fighting in legendary wars and conflicts. These heroes of mythology are often aided by others, either as an adventuring party, such as Jason and the Argonauts of Greek mythology, or through the possession of legendary artifacts such as an enchanted sword.
Many heroes of mythology suffer from some kind of flaw, often referred to as a tragic flaw, which allows these heroes to remain more “human”. Even immortal and supernatural heroes can have this kind of flaw, which could ultimately be their undoing or at least provide conflict they need to overcome. Arrogance, or an excessive amount of pride, is one of the most common tragic flaws for heroes, especially in Greek and Roman myths. This flaw often results in heroes from mythology helping others and slaying monsters, only to believe they are unstoppable and meet their end in a way that makes them more extraordinary and serves to remind people that no one is invincible.
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