Heroic saga is often a primitive version of history. Its most important function is to establish a grand past for a people and to set forth the values by which a race is to live. Heroic legends embody the values of a society and orient the individual toward the standards and goals of his culture. They show what manhood
consists of and how a great man lives and dies. In
doing so, they give meaning and direction to life.
In general, heroes are those who fight beasts, other men, or forces within themselves. A hero is inconceivable without conflict and some enemy to overcome. Though heroes always defeat all enemies or obstacles, one who wars with the gods is not a hero at all but an evildoer who deserves proper punishment.
The most primitive kind of hero is the monster slayer. This type of hero clears the earth of ghastly menaces and makes it safe for human habitation. Heracles and Beowulf are perfect examples of this kind of hero.
Then, there is a warrior hero who fights for personal glory and fame, regardless of what the cause of the war may be. Such a hero has no fear of death, lives by a rigid code of honor, and is permeated with the feeling that life is worthless but very delicious. A warrior like this lives to die in battle, winning renown for generations. One who is a good example of this is Achilles.
Next is the warrior hero who fights to the death but illuminates culture. Some examples are Hector who fights for Troy and his family, and King Arthur who is the great hero in myths of England.
Another type of warrior hero is one who seeks to establish a kingship or build a city. Aeneas is the exemplar of this type, fighting for a new and coming civilization with the force of destiny in his breast. He represents the values that made Rome triumphant for centuries.
The latest and most advanced type of hero is the metaphysical hero, who sets out on a strange quest. Most of the religious leaders, such as Abraham, Moses, and even Jesus Christ, are pure metaphysical heroes. These heroes guide their people to live under gods’ desires or instructions