What is a hero?
Merriam-Webster defines a hero as “a mythological or legendary figure often of divine descent endowed with great strength or ability.” But that doesn’t seem quite right. Heroes can be so much more than just a mythological figure with divine traits that we look to for entertainment. These fictional beings can also serve as role models for their remarkable but more humanistic traits. According to the Oxford Dictionary, a hero is “a person admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities.” Our modern heroes can be a guide or a teacher, showing us what greatness in our own lives could look like through their actions.
We are surrounded by amazing and larger than life heroes in our everyday lives, from books, movies, and games to the people we spend time with at work, at home and everywhere in between. These extraordinary characters are the embodiment of strength and exceptional abilities. We watch in awe as they repeatedly save their piece of the world from ultimate destruction, time and time again. Most of us feel especially connected to one or more of these superheroes. We may feel a personal understanding or affinity for their particular superpower. Everyone needs a hero to look up to, to cheer on and to be inspired by. What does the hero you admire most say about you?
Superman: You have a strong moral compass, and you like to keep order in your life and your relationships. You are probably the firstborn and are a bit of an overachiever, so you’re used to setting an example and handling the pressure that comes with it. You don’t like to be on the losing team. You’re loyal to a fault and get along best with others who are the same. You like rules and do everything by the book.
Batman: You tend to be a do-gooder that prefers not to have all the accolades. You have a strong sense of right and wrong and you are prone to step into action when you feel an injustice has been committed. You’re a realist with a pessimistic bent. You’ve seen the worst and know that you need to see the ugly side of things to appreciate life fully. You’re more likely to be the one who does the work and less likely to be one who takes the microphone and speaks.
Wonder Woman: You enjoy being the only gal in a group of guys. You don’t mind being feminine as long as you can show you’re powerful as well. You’re an optimist, but you also know that people will let you down. You’re confident, strong, self-assured and a leader among your friends. You are prone to taking everything on yourself instead of asking for help when you need it most.
Spider-Man: You are smart, witty, and prefer to stay out of the spotlight. You don’t have a fear of heights, but you may have a fear of commitment, making it difficult to express your feelings to someone you care about. You like to live life in the shadows, and you don’t like to draw attention to yourself. You were probably that kid who was never afraid of spiders.
Iron Man: You love the latest gadgets, toys, and appreciate the finer things in life. You are the life of the party, and like your heroes to have some fun! You love to live life to the fullest, but need to remember that money isn’t everything. Some may call you a recluse, but you have a loyal, close circle of friends.
The Hulk: Things can set you off and when you’re angry, boy are you angry. People don’t really like you when you’re angry. You are a bit of a loner though because you feel shy in some social settings. People may mistake that shyness for being aloof, but really on the inside you’re a softie. For the most part, you don’t hide your emotions and prefer to tell people how you’re really feeling. You have a strong personality and are protective of others. When people get to know you, they see your kind and thoughtful side.
