The Superhuman

For centuries, society and literature have revered and idolized extraordinary individuals called "heroes." The word hero brings to mind several images: strength, bravery, and determination. Heroes have been part of human cultures for thousands of years. Gilgamesh can be seen as the original superhero, followed by many others including Hercules, Spiderman and Superman, Batman and Catwoman. Heroes in "The Iliad" by Homer such as Agamemnon, Achilles, and Hector, all exhibit courage, strength, and perseverance. Our history books are filled with accounts of heroic actions. Daily newscasts report stories about heroes in all walks of life. What makes the stories even more fascinating is that the most enduring epic, "Gilgamesh," is nearly 4,800 years old. (Lawall, "Gilgamesh" 10). No matter which era, our heroes have these and other certain traits in common. The most unexplained quality is that of being a "common person" or "regular guy." …