Charles Chiasson claimed that although contemporary superheroes battle with morality, ancient Greek heroes were morally superior to ordinary people. Kids expect the Greek heroes to have morals, according to Chiasson. They want them to be decent people.” The morality of a hero was unimportant in ancient mythology; power was more important. The values and power fantasies of society are reflected in tales of powerful beings, from Greek mythology to contemporary comics.
Heroes in ancient Greece were portrayed as demigods with superhuman strength and power. They began depicting beings with superhuman abilities in the 1930s, the height of comics' popularity, in a manner reminiscent of the myths of classical Greece. Superheroes are both directly and indirectly influenced by Greek mythology, according to Wesley Farnsworth, manager of Wild West Comics and Games.
Greek mythology is a major inspiration for characters like Wonder Woman, according to Farnsworth. It's difficult not to think of these larger-than-life individuals as mythological or God-like beings because they are so strong and influential, according to Farnsworth.
Greek heroes and superhero comic books, according to philosophy professor Charles Chiasson, both address the subject of mortality. Greek heroes were not necessarily morally upright or excellent people. According to Chiasson, contemporary superheroes differ from classical Greek heroes in the moral roles they play and the ways they represent society values.
Hercules, who is revered as the model for all Greek heroes, frequently engaged in self-centred violence. Modern heroes struggle to serve as moral role models, but the ancient Greeks did not share this belief.
In addition, modern authors conceptions of heroes empower women, unlike Greek mythology. According to Chiasson, the female warriors known as the Amazons in Greek mythology only existed to be vanquished by proper male heroes due to their refusal to conform to social mores. Wonder Woman gave women the confidence and value they needed.
According to Chiasson, Greek people created cults around legendary ancient figures. To please these deities, sacrifices were offered.
"With present day, this is often not the case," Chiasson said.
He claimed that although contemporary superheroes battle with morality, ancient Greek heroes were morally superior to ordinary people.
Kids expect the Greek heroes to have morals, according to Chiasson. They want them to be decent people. The morality of a hero was in ancient mythology; power was more important.
Superheroes are shown in comic books in a variety of ways, much like Greek literature was reinterpreted over history, according to Chiasson. According to him, different stories might have grave aspects in some and become humorous and light-hearted in others. With changes in writers and characters, this is comparable to superheroes.
Superheroes, according to psychology student Channing Wells, may portray a person in their finest light while still being relatable.
"As great as they are, they're also grounded in reality." stated Wells. They are not flawless.
One of their appeals, according to Chiasson, is being able to identify with comic book superheroes and share their dedication to their ideals and virtues.
They resemble the best versions of ourselves because they fight for justice, are larger than life, and are truthful and honest, according to Farnsworth. "All of these many qualities we strive for are those qualities multiplied by ten."
A greater number of individuals now enjoy and are interested in comic book characters thanks to comics' accessibility. Farnsworth noted that superheroes' fame and exalted status are frequently discussed in movies and comic books.
By-
Sriparna Mukherjee
Amity University, Kolkata
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