The Quintessential Hero, Perseus: The Ideal Greek Hero

The Quintessential Hero, Perseus
Quintessential, the most perfect/ typical example. The ideal Greek Hero would be, without question, Perseus. First off, Perseus overcomes the weakness of hate for his grandfather (who doesn’t want him alive). In addition, he crosses into unknown territory, suffers, and returns as any ideal hero would. Moreover, Perseus reaches his own herculean task (cutting off the head of Medusa). Overall, I believe Perseus is the prime example of a Greek Hero due to his courage and his overcoming of obstacles thrown at him.
To begin with, Perseus could overcome his hatred for his grandfather who wanted him executed from earth. Although his grandfather put him through much pain and suffering, Perseus was willing to put out the flames between them. Edith Hamilton states on page 207, “He made Dictys king of the island, but he and his mother decided that they would go back with Andromeda to Greece and try to be reconciled to Acrisius, to see if the many ears that had
Accomplishing to cut off Medusa’s head was Perseus’ staggering task. This task first aspired when Polydectes, the King of the island of Seriphos, came to Dictys’ home and claimed Danae’s hand (Perseus’ mother). When Perseus said that he would exchange the Gorgon’s head for his mother, Polydectes agreed to it without hesitation. This is so because he knew that it was an impossible task and would certainly die attempting it. Perseus accepted the challenge and went on his journey. Heroes have guides, and Perseus’ were Athena and Hermes. They provided him with a sword, a shield, and guidance to his herculean assignment. Perseus succeeded his colossal task, removing his mother from a forced marriage and made Polydectes pay (turned him into stone). Heroes are individuals who fight for family values and ethics of a good human being, which is why Perseus is the model Greek