Heroes in Greek epics mutually express a few common character traits. These traits define a hero in almost every Greek epic. Muhammad Ali, formerly known as Cassius Clay, displays many of the same traits as these heroes. From his time growing up on Grand Avenue in Louisville, Kentucky to his many mission trips to foreign countries, Ali is considered "The Greatest of All Time" by many. Muhammad Ali's strength, courage, positive impact, and outstanding accomplishments validate him as a modern day epic hero in the eyes of millions of people.
Muhammad Ali excels in both physical and emotional strength. Ali attended the dedication of Muhammad Ali Center at the age of 63 without any medical staff assisting him and asking for no sympathy from his fans (Jet Magazine). He lost and regained boxing championship titles many times. This struggle made him the only man to be a heavyweight champion on three separate
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Growing up, he was never a great student, graduating high school placed 367th in a class of 391. Upon opposing the Vietnam war in the 1960s, he was deprived of his boxing title by state commissions across the nation (Lifefile: Muhammad Ali). Many tests and punishments followed his decision to not be inducted into the Vietnam war. Not only did Ali face a 5 year prison term for his refusal to be drafted, he was also found guilty of violation of the Selective Service Act and fined $10,000 along with a five year jail sentence. Following a gold metal victory, he returned to Louisville, his home town, where he was refused service in a restaurant and subsequently became involved in a fight with a motorcycle gang leader. He emerged from the fight without serious injury, still possessing his Olympic gold metal which one of the gang members demanded as a souvenir from the brawl. Following the incident he threw the same metal into the Ohio river in disgust (Jet