(09-13-2010, 09:15 AM)ahktu Wrote: I had an addition to my earlier thoughts...that one trait of a true hero would be to do something for the greater good of man without expecting to be recognized for it at all. If you expect everyone to look up at you afterward and shower you with praise and attention, I think the true meaning of heroism is being lost.
I second this wholeheartedly, most of the times the hero is even abandoned and hurt emotionally in the end of his/her quest, which is the Hero's burden. Only the hero can bear this as it is what makes him/her stronger and weights his/hers intentions as a last test to whatever large heroism task he/she endured. Even padding yourself on the back takes away from the act. I think one of the reasons the hero must move on in most stories is exactly to keep the level of humility in check.