If we use today’s definition of hero, the one who risks his life trying to save somebody, or always does something dangerous, or the one with big muscles and big body, then most of the Greek heroes would not fit this profile. Most of them were selfish, and anti-social. Webster’s definition of a hero is "In mythology and legend, a man or woman, often of divine ancestry, who is endowed with great courage …showed first 75 words of 1345 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1345 total…what his fate will be. However, for reasons of his own, he forges ahead. The hero is mortal and vulnerable, although Odysseus and Achilles don’t fit perfectly into the heroic pattern, they are still considered epic heroes because of the courage and bravery they have shown, they have been protected by the gods, and most important because both of them are warriors and have succeeded in war, and are worthy of admiration and respect.