You will prepare and submit a term paper on Seven Types of Ancient Heroes. Your paper should be a minimum of 1500 words in length. L. R. Farnell’s classification was categorized according to the historic and psychological value. It must be remembered that each of these categories is not mutually exclusive as there are a number of times when they do overlap as a manner of description. In the case of Achilles and Aeneas who belong to the first kind of hero-gods as well as to the third kind who are heroes and also gods with a secular legend. Both heroes are born with divinity in their blood coupled with human heritage. This instigates a perception that these characters are automatically elevated into a position much higher than that of a mortal but a notch lower than the position of a verified deity. They are regarded with respect not only by men but also by the gods.

Glory may be regarded as synonymous with immortality from an analysis of ancient literature. They are analogous in that one is the by-product of the other and vice versa. There is nothing in this world greater than the achievement of immortality for someone who is mortal. Death brings the end of all things. The idea of being able to live on even when one’s material presence is no longer in existence is the absolute objective of any hero. This can be attained through victory in battle as glory brings forth the immortalization of a hero in the eyes of the people. Through their words and stories of epic battles, they remain an integral part of history. This is the triumph sought by any hero. It is a victory that surpasses the actual day of an enemy’s surrender. A transcendental glory that is more than ephemeral.

The interplay of the Greek and Roman culture is one of the most interesting aspects of Western civilization that has gathered countless scholarly publication for comparative analysis. Arguably the most popular and widely accepted works of literature of each are Homer’s Iliad and Virgil’s Aeneid. The two authors had served as Canons of Literature and became the standard for Western drama through their works of art. Quite notable is the apparent reality that the Iliad has gained more popularity over the centuries and Virgil’s masterpiece has taken a back seat in this race.