Heroes have always stood out in time as wondrous beings. In literature they possess certain special traits. These traits are ones such as courage, strength, selflessness and intelligence. Theseus an Athenian hero possess some of these great qualities,“...he was as compassionate as he was brave and a man of great intellect as well as great bodily strength” (133). Throughout mythological stories Theseus proves that he is a hero by going on many journeys, while still showing his humility to others and expressing his courage.
One of Theseus’ hero qualities is that he goes on many journeys each to achieve different goals. Theseus was the son of King Aegeus, but grew up in a small town with his mother. Once Theseus grew strong enough; his mother
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On his way to King Aegeus’ palace he would have to travel through very hazardous roads. Theseus came across three bandits who were known for terrorizing the Greeks who traveled through there, “He killed them all, however, he left not one alive to trouble future travelers”(124). Greece was very happy after Theseus courageously cleared the land of these bandits. Soon after King Aegeus proclaimed Theseus as the heir to the throne; he already has an opportunity to endear himself with the Athenian's. Every nine years the Athenians had been forced to sacrifice fourteen youths to the Minotaur. The year of the sacrifice had fallen at the time when Theseus had been proclaimed to be King Aegeus’ son , “[and] at once Theseus came forward and offered to be one of the victims”(125). The Athenian's valued Theseus’ courage without knowing that he also planned to kill the Minotaur. Confidence filled Theseus as he decided to look for the Minotaur in the labyrinth. When he finally came across the sleeping Minotaur he decided to attack it, “and with his fists-he had no other weapon-he battered the monster to death”(126). Great strength surged through him as he killed the Minotaur, finally freeing the Athenian's from having to sacrifice their …show more content…
In many mythological stories, heroes are described to be someone with great strength or someone who possess great intellect. These special characteristics help heroes achieve dangerous goals that require great strength and courage. Theseus stands out when compared to the other mythological heroes. He not only possess great strength, but he also intellect and compassion. By deciding to make everything equal in Athens, Theseus created a very prosperous city which stood out all throughout the world. Theseus proved his strength and humility by his actions when on dangerous quests. This is why after being part of so many great enterprises and adventures the Athenian's made up the saying, “Nothing without