Greek Mythology has a plethora of stories and poems about heroes, in all types of situations, to teach all sorts of lessons that are still well known today. Most people can recognize the name Hercules or Oedipus if asked and can remember at least the basics of their stories. However if asked, the average person would not be able to tell you what the most basic difference between such characters is, intrinsically. The difference between a tragic hero versus an epic hero is distinct but not a common topic when discussing Mythology. Some things are similar between the two types and some are different.
Perhaps the biggest difference between an epic and tragic hero is the types of challenges they face and how they deal with it. An epic hero is …show more content…
There are some qualities that they share under this term, most notably what causes them to be called a hero in the first place. Each display extraordinary qualities that make them stand out from those around them. Oedipus is great at solving riddles and is extremely dedicated, which is what causes the people of Thebes to love him. Heracles was a great warrior with extraordinary strength, that meant he was the one that everyone wanted on their side in a war. Odysseus is smart and determined to return home, a story still told all these years later of a good warrior and husband. Every hero has something about them that makes them stand out against the crowd.
These qualities also happen to be a double edged sword for them. Oedipus’ determination to solve the riddle of Apollo’s prophecy leads to the realization of his patricide and incestuous marriage. Heracles strength and battle focused mind is dangerous off the battlefield. Odysseus’ pride results in his journey home being extended. The qualities that make them great heroes also happen to hurt them and cause minor and major disasters for themselves.
So clearly there are differences and similarities between the two types of heroes. One can even say that they are like two sides of the same coin, similar but fundamentally different. What makes them heroes is them same but how their stories unfold is distinctly different, enough so that using tragic and epic interchangeably is not
Perhaps the biggest difference between an epic and tragic hero is the types of challenges they face and how they deal with it. An epic hero is …show more content…
There are some qualities that they share under this term, most notably what causes them to be called a hero in the first place. Each display extraordinary qualities that make them stand out from those around them. Oedipus is great at solving riddles and is extremely dedicated, which is what causes the people of Thebes to love him. Heracles was a great warrior with extraordinary strength, that meant he was the one that everyone wanted on their side in a war. Odysseus is smart and determined to return home, a story still told all these years later of a good warrior and husband. Every hero has something about them that makes them stand out against the crowd.
These qualities also happen to be a double edged sword for them. Oedipus’ determination to solve the riddle of Apollo’s prophecy leads to the realization of his patricide and incestuous marriage. Heracles strength and battle focused mind is dangerous off the battlefield. Odysseus’ pride results in his journey home being extended. The qualities that make them great heroes also happen to hurt them and cause minor and major disasters for themselves.
So clearly there are differences and similarities between the two types of heroes. One can even say that they are like two sides of the same coin, similar but fundamentally different. What makes them heroes is them same but how their stories unfold is distinctly different, enough so that using tragic and epic interchangeably is not