Martin Luther King Epic Vs.

Improved Essays
According the dictionary, epic is “a series of events regarded as a proper subject for an epic -- grand; majestic; imposing… dealing with or characterized by events of historical or legendary importance,” yet over the years, its true definition has become hazy and washed out. Aside from its overuse, the term “epic” encapsulates grand stories and people that inspire, and it acts as a catalyst for human achievement. Epic, though few in letters, is large in its meaning. For example, a mountain is far more majestic than a single pebble. It is not epic to do a single insignificant deed, but to change the world through a collection of acts. Martin Luther King Jr. was epic through his voice, his example, his bravery, and his faith. Without those …show more content…
The same reason battles are fought, shots are fired, and riots are started. Humans need this push for something greater; to strive for the beauty that lies on mountain peaks or to soar through the air that broke the sound barrier. They need the failures, the pain, and the loss to learn how to overcome setbacks. Without this thirst for adventure, accomplishment, and aspiration, people would have no purpose; no real reason to survive. Stories such as Braveheart, Jurassic Park, Lord of the Rings, Chronicles of Narnia, and Pearl Harbor have both devoted and numerous viewers because they make a person consider the importance of what they do in their daily lives. These tales are based off of what makes mankind fantastic: overcoming adversity with an overwhelming passion and a refusal to stand down. They make a person wonder if they are truly adding a page to the world’s storybook, and if they are doing works worthy of the title “epic”. George Washington lead the fight to free America from England just as the Rebel Luke Skywalker aided in releasing the galaxies from the Empire. Great leaders are revered because they seek the empowerment of victory, of overcoming a foe for the greater good. Their lives revolve around the betterment of those around them, not just …show more content…
All three words mean more than how they are used in daily life. A funny t-shirt doesn’t truly bring awe to the viewer just as the story about a big yellow bird finding objects that start with the letter “o” doesn’t qualify as legendary. Maximus from the movie Gladiator died a truly epic death; after a life of torment, and fighting for his cause, he defeated those who brought injustice to his people. He wouldn’t be considered a hero if he had dropped his weapons and surrendered the first time he stood in the arena. His name would have been forgotten if he had simply admitted to his true identity and lay down at the feet of his enemies. To be epic is to be bold, brave and never stand down from a fight. To be forgotten is to be a

Related Documents

  • Improved Essays

    An example of an epic would be the story of Beowulf, It is a story of bravery, and proving that he still has what is takes to be a hero in his kingdom. Beowulf would be the epic hero in the story. Inferno, by Dante would be another example of an epic. Although it is not all fighting and bloodshed like Beowulf, it is more about learning from one's mistakes and taking something from the experience. Although, Dante may not be the poster boy for epic heroes, he still possesses many attributes of it.…

    • 216 Words
    • 1 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Epic heroes are the ones who stand out, who are immensely extraordinary in all that they accomplish in the actions they take. An epic hero often takes on battles and challenges, and defeats them for the good of people. Most times they only appear in epic poems but, they do always take part in some sort of battle. Beowulf, is in fact, a true epic hero.…

    • 414 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Being considered an epic hero requires exceeding in lots of different aspects of life. Strength, humility, likeability; the list could go on and on. Very few people, especially in today’s world, are able to have the perfect combination of all of these attributes. Bo Jackson is an epic hero because of all the challenges he faced, he has incredible strength, and was one of the most humble athletes of his time.…

    • 734 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Epic heroes are not only known by what they do but by the way they present themselves. Beowulf was an epic hero who was known for his heroic actions such as defeating Grendel. In the novel, Unferth is arguing with Beowulf telling him he was a coward and fool. Beowulf then explains all impressive deeds such as defeating several sea monsters on his adventure at sea. Although Beowulf did face many hardships and challenges, his boastfulness was not necessary.…

    • 542 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Decent Essays

    Epic Hero According to Aristotle, for there to be an epic hero, there must first be an epic. Also in his words, an epic can only co-exist with a tragedy. The Italian poet Tarquato Tasso explains that an epic is a noble action, that when acted upon, will benefit you by moving you into a higher social class. In the opinion of the classical scholar Cecil Bowra, an epic hero is a person with very violent actions.…

    • 91 Words
    • 1 Pages
    Decent Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Furthermore, the word epic is used in a lot of video games like role playing games (RPGs) and massive multiplayer online role playing games (MMORPGs), and even first person shooters (FPS). Epic, in this case, is used to describe the rarity of an item. Additionally, it can also be used to express how great an achievement was, good or bad. For instance, when one scores the winning kill shot, or when someone finally finds the weapon that they have been farming for weeks on end. When one thinks of epic, the first thing that comes to mind is something grand, something bigger than life its self.…

    • 972 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Essay On Ruby Bridges

    • 679 Words
    • 3 Pages

    An epic has people that do right and know what’s right and have the people that tries to bring others down because they don’t want to see them succeed. The school of integration, William Frantz, is an Epic event because it meets all the requirements of an epic. William Frantz, is an epic because it changed history. It is something that’s heroic and played a part in the nation’s history. A six-year-old changed everything, for black children.…

    • 679 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Decent Essays

    Odysseus Epic Hero

    • 351 Words
    • 2 Pages

    A hero to me is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself, in The Odyssey by Homer, there is an epic hero named Odysseus. An epic hero is someone who is: brave and a noble character in an epic poem, admired for great achievements or affected by grand events. Odysseus deserves the title as an epic hero for several reasons. Odysseus is an example for an epic hero for his courageousness, instinct, and cockiness during his adventures in the odyssey. There are many reasons why Odysseus is an epic hero.…

    • 351 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Decent Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Epic Hero Research Paper

    • 1066 Words
    • 5 Pages

    Epic Heros: Brave, Strong, Smart, or Lucky? By definition, bravery is courageous behavior or character. Most stories, including epic poems, are based around the idea of bravery. Many people hold a common misconception about bravery.…

    • 1066 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Epic Tale of Epics Many epics have been written that presents noble heroes. An epic is categorized by fitting the following traits: The hero must demonstrate bravery and wisdom, be employed into noble and fantastic actions, become involved in supernatural occurrences, and do all of this on a grand and vast setting and in elevated ‘epic-like’ style. Raiders of the Lost Ark, directed by Steven Spielberg, introduces a very noble hero. The hero in this epic is Dr. Indiana Jones.…

    • 1027 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Beowulf Essay Who is one that is on a quest, performs brave deeds, is someone with superior/super human strengths and intelligent or courageous, and is significant or glorified? His name is Beowulf, and he is an epic hero! Beowulf was known as the greatest warrior of his time. He fought and killed numerous amounts of dragons, monsters, and mystical creatures.…

    • 1100 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Superior Essays

    What Makes an Epic Hero? The story Beowulf is England’s earliest masterpiece originated from the Anglo-Saxon poem. Beowulf is considered as the longest and greatest surviving Anglo-Saxon poem. Through Beowulf we can understand what the Anglo-Saxons valued.…

    • 1034 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Superior Essays
  • Superior Essays

    An epic hero is often described as the big hero in a story or reading and is also the main character. They often illustrate great qualities including strength, determination, and bravery. Heroes are said to always have a quest, sometimes more than one, and they most likely have helpers or assistants helping them through these quests. During these quests, the evil characters always seem to be after the hero. They must show the qualities of a hero or they would not be able to accomplish their quests thoroughly.…

    • 1174 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Superior Essays
  • Improved Essays

    The image of heroes has changed numerous times throughout history. The epic hero became popularized by epic poems in which an individual embarked on treacherous quests and illustrated desirable traits through their actions. Recently, the modern hero has gained acceptance. This hero displays courage, selflessness, and does the right thing without need for praise or compensation. In The Iliad by Homer, many heroes arise on the battlefield due to their gallant acts on both sides.…

    • 1253 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Superior Essays

    An Epic Hero is a brave and noble character in an Epic Poem, admired for achievements or affected by events. There are eight elements of an Epic Hero Cycle. The eight elements of an Epic Hero Cycle are: (1) the main character has to be possessed of supernatural abilities; (2) the hero is charged with a quest; (3) the hero is tested, often to prove the worthiness of himself and his quest; (4) the presence of numerous mythical beings, magical and helpful animals, and human helpers and companions; (5) the hero travels take him to a supernatural world, often one that normal human beings are barred from entering; (6) the cycle must reach a low point where the hero nearly gives up his quest or appears defeated; (7) a resurrection; and (8) a restitution.…

    • 1696 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Superior Essays