epic hero

American  

[ep-ik heer-oh] / ˈɛp ɪk ˈhɪər oʊ /

noun

1. a brave and noble character in an epic poem, admired for great achievements or affected by grand events.

   Beowulf, an epic hero with extraordinary strength.

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Usage

What is an epic hero? An epic hero is the main character of an epic poem that tells the story of a grand quest in which they use their extraordinary or superhuman abilities to achieve great things.In literature, a hero is simply the protagonist, or main character. An epic poem (or epic) is a long narrative poem written in lofty language that usually tells the story of such a hero. Epic heroes perform deeds that you might call epic (impressively great), but they’re called epic heroes specifically because they appear in epic poems.Two of the most enduring examples of epic heroes are ones you’ve probably heard of: Achilles (hero of the Iliad) and Odysseus (hero of the Odyssey). Those ancient Greek epic poems are attributed to the poet Homer and are among the most influential works in Western literature.

Etymology

Origin of epic hero

First recorded in 1745–55

Example Sentences

All this serves to frame O'Rourke as a figure akin to Luke Skywalker or Odysseus or Jon Snow, an epic hero who has been picked by supernatural forces to lead the rest of humanity.

From Salon • Mar. 14, 2019

As “Empire of Enchantment” proceeds, Zubrzycki discusses ancient occult texts, the sorcerers at Mughal courts, wondrous automata and the Arabian Nights-like adventures of epic hero Amir Hamza.

From Washington Post • Oct. 17, 2018

Nor does my epic have an epic hero.

From The Guardian • Sep. 1, 2018

In the course of those books, we see a plucky schoolboy, torn by adolescent doubts and confusions, grow into an epic hero, kin to King Arthur, Luke Skywalker and Spider-Man.

From New York Times • Aug. 1, 2016

Yeah, we could have used an epic hero about now.

From "City of the Plague God" by Sarwat Chadda