Essay Sample on A Classical Antihero: Poor in Battles, Self-Doubting and Self-Preserving

Conventionally, a classical hero is described as a character that is mostly victorious in battles, with significant intellect, sound judgment, and unshakable self -confidence. Therefore, a classical anti-hero on the other side is poor in battles, has self-doubt and makes his choices depending on self -preservation and not bravery. A classical antihero is believed to conquer and follow his fears, care for his welfare, and fight anything that appears as a threat to him. Nevertheless, a standard definition for an antihero is a main character in a story that has no typical heroic attributes of morality, bravery, courage, and particular desire and skills to accomplish for the greater god. He acts as the narrative's protagonist and is still a foil to the ancient archetype of a hero.

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A popular anti-hero in Egyptian mythology is Seth. Seth is among the first five gods who were created by the Geb union and nut following the world's creation (Mythology and Fiction Explained). His title is mainly described as a confusion instigator and was linked with the color red, foreign people, and land as well as disorder. Seth was seen as an anti-hero because he was destructive and yet helpful at the same time (Spence n.d). Seth would do whatever it takes for his fulfillment, even if it meant doing something immoral. Seth was destructive but helped the people in winning battles. He was known for doing things in an unorthodox manner

Another anti-hero in Norse mythology is Beowulf. Beowulf slew Grendel, the monster, and saved numerous villagers. While Beowulf could be seen as useful in his terms, his actions are compromised by his cultural debts (Lopez, Maria 36). Beowulf is depicted as vulnerable and illustrates the end of heroism and the terrible cost of mortality. He seems to be more of a trickster-hero following his first battle, whereby he sings his praises (Suciu, and Michaela n.d). In most cases, once a man follows his interests, most people are likely to suffer, and this is what happens in the case of Beowulf. His experiences with every foe show his lack of morality.

Works Cited

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Lopez Fuentes, Maria D. "Beowulf: The message that has crossed the world and ages in Anglo-Saxon." (2016).

McNair, Eliza, and Octavio Gonzalez. "From Brombert, Scherr, and Camus-Analyzing The Outsider using its Triangular Character Structure." (2014).

Mythology &Fiction Explained. Bastet Goddess Of Protection And Cats - (Egyptian Mythology Explained). 2018, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srJ9wq2I5z4&feature=youtu.be. Accessed 18 Apr 2020.

Mythology and Fiction Explained. Anubis: God Of The Dead - (Egyptian Mythology Explained). 2018, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r1SFKq4iHDk&feature=youtu.be. Accessed 18 Apr 2020.

Mythology and Fiction Explained. Apophis God Of Chaos And Darkness - (Egyptian Mythology Explained). 2018, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UIAAxdGvlS8&feature=youtu.be. Accessed 18 Apr 2020.

Mythology and Fiction Explained. Osiris The God Of The Underworld - Egyptian Mythology. 2017, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJVc5sGjIDY&feature=youtu.be. Accessed 18 Apr 2020.

Spence, Lewis. Myths and legends of ancient Egypt. Good Press, 2019.

Staff, Daily Egyptian. "The Daily Egyptian, March 31, 2014."

Suciu, Andreia-Irina, and Mihaela Culea. "Debunking Heroism in Contemporary Culture: Culturally Iconic (Anti) heroes."

The Life Guide. Norse Mythology Explained In 15 Minutes. 2018, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2oxzmJPoRu8&feature=youtu.be. Accessed 18 Apr 2020.

Who is Heimdall? Norse Mythology. (2017). [Video]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yN07n59QGkg&feature=youtu.be