Let's say you wanted a list of traits found in Epic Heroes--things they're mentioned by, named for, or known for.

What would your list look like?

Wisdom of Solomon
Strength of Hercules
Speed of Hermes

SHAZAM!

The Salmon Leap of Cú Chulainn leaps to mind.
Samson's might, linked with his hair, of course.
The Horn of Roland, though that's more of an artifact or an incident than a trait of his own.  Joshua had a similar horn-blowing incident.
David, the Giant-Slayer (though I think he just scored a double-crit).

Hmm.  It seems like a lot of epic heroes that come to mind become known for a single particularly fortuitous event, then manage a steady career of lesser heroism thereafter.  I'll have to dig out some of the books for better examples.

!i!

Quote from: SilverlionLet's say you wanted a list of traits found in Epic Heroes--things they're mentioned by, named for, or known for.

What would your list look like?

Quote from: wikipediaA Hero (Greek ἥρως), in Greek mythology and folklore, was originally a demi-god, the offspring of a mortal and a deity.[1] Later, hero (male) and heroine (female) came to refer to characters that, in the face of danger and adversity or from a position of weakness, display courage and the will for self-sacrifice, that is, heroism, for some greater good, originally of martial courage or excellence but extended to more general moral excellence.

I quote this because the concept of Hero has changed considerably over time.  Originally a Hero was the ultimate Aristocrat born of a God, and granted supernatural powers, and protections.   As such they exemplified Arete, or excellence.   Over time, however, egalitarian thinking remodelled heroes to be anyone who acts with courage and "has the will for self-sacrifice".  

So my list would include:
Nobility
Courage
Self-Sacrifice

Another attribute has to do with the quest for True Love.  The importance of this has to do with the Aristocratic aspect of the original Hero.   In the Ancient World Princes would only marry Princesses of Royal Lineage.  So proving oneself worthy of such a union was something that Princes, or Heroes, would do in order to unite with an equally Noble family.  Hence, the theme of finding True Love is actually tightly coupled with Nobility and Royal Lineage.  

Other attributes that come to mind:
Justice
Resolution
Virtue
Strength
Charisma
Spirit

Not a complete list, but it should provide some idea of where I would be heading on this.

- Mark

Quote from: SilverlionLet's say you wanted a list of traits found in Epic Heroes--things they're mentioned by, named for, or known for.

The classic Christian virtues are:

• Faith: belief in the right things (including the virtues!).
• Hope: taking a positive future view, that good will prevail.
• Charity: concern for, and active helping of, others.
• Fortitude: never giving up.
• Justice: being fair and equitable with others.
• Prudence: care of and moderation with money.
• Temperance: moderation of needed things and abstinence from things which are not needed.

Seven Bushido Virtues:

• Right decisions
• Valor
• Benevolence
• Respect
• Honesty
• Honor
• Loyalty

Source: http://changingminds.org/explanations/values/seven_virtues.htm

Ben Franklin's List:

• TEMPERANCE: Eat not to dullness; drink not to elevation.
• SILENCE: Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself; avoid trifling conversation.
• ORDER: Let all your things have their places; let each part of your business have its time.
• RESOLUTION: Resolve to perform what you ought; perform without fail what you resolve.
• FRUGALITY: Make no expense but to do good to others or yourself; i.e., waste nothing.
• INDUSTRY: Lose no time; be always employ'd in something useful; cut off all unnecessary actions.
• SINCERITY: Use no hurtful deceit; think innocently and justly, and, if you speak, speak accordingly.
• JUSTICE: Wrong none by doing injuries, or omitting the benefits that are your duty.
• MODERATION: Avoid extreams; forbear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve.
• CLEANLINESS: Tolerate no uncleanliness in body, cloaths, or habitation.
• TRANQUILLITY: Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable.
• CHASTITY: Rarely use venery but for health or offspring, never to dulness, weakness, or the injury of your own or another's peace or reputation.
• HUMILITY: Imitate Jesus and Socrates.

Source: http://www.virtuescience.com/virtuenumbers.html