héros

Héros is the French term for a person admired for courage, noble qualities, or notable deeds. The word derives from Latin heros, itself from Greek hērōs, meaning a guardian or demigod. In classical mythology and epic literature, heroes are often mortals or semi-divine figures who undertake dangerous quests, embody cultural values, and secure the survival or identity of a community.

Typical features include exceptional courage or strength, a journey or trial, possibilities of divine assistance, and a lasting reputation. Prominent examples in Western tradition include Achilles, Gilgamesh, and Beowulf; in myth the hero’s journey is linked to founding or protecting a people, city, or order.

Over time, the notion broadened. In medieval and modern literature, heroes may be morally complex or face ethical dilemmas, and the term can apply to persons who perform courageous acts in ordinary life. In contemporary usage, hero can denote protagonists with extraordinary abilities (superheroes) as well as ordinary individuals who act bravely or altruistically, sometimes described as unsung or everyday heroes.

Across cultures, conceptions of heroism vary with social norms, religious beliefs, and historical context. The feminine form, héroïne, designates female heroes, while the masculine form remains predominant in many languages. The idea of heroism is also analyzed for its function in society, including the modeling of virtue, legitimating power, or shaping collective memory.

In practice, heroism remains a dynamic concept, used to describe courage, sacrifice, and ideals across genres and cultures.