Document Type
Paper
Abstract
Gives examples of several types of heroism: the survival-hero, whose heroism is a reaction to a hostile environment; the destiny-hero, who has been chosen to fulfill a task beyond his normal capabilities; the honor-hero, motivated by a desire for reputation and fame; and the ethic-hero, whose self-respect demands he act when circumstances arise that require it. Describes the moral framework of Middle-earth as one that constantly presents opportunities for heroic action, which in turn influences and supports later heroic actions through providing examples to emulate, clues to effective action, or heirloom objects that assist later heroes. In this framework, all heroic actions against evil are valuable and have consequences.
This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0
Recommended Citation
Foster, Robert
(1972)
"The Heroic in Middle-earth,"
Mythopoeic Society Seminar Proceedings: Vol. 1:
Iss.
3, Article 4.
Available at:
https://dc.swosu.edu/mythpro/vol1/iss3/4
