{
  "id": 79964,
  "title": "How To Be A Hero",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/03/how-to-be-a-hero",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-03T10:19:41.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Dev.to",
    "slug": "dev-to",
    "url": "https://dev.to/bibimbop123/how-to-be-a-hero-5c6i"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The concept of a hero has evolved over time for the author. As a child, they were captivated by superhero cartoons and comic books, envisioning a superhuman with extraordinary abilities and a tight costume. However, as they grew older, they realized that being a hero requires both physical and mental strength, as well as dedication.\n\nIn The Epic of Gilgamesh, the protagonist Gilgamesh was born partially as a god, while Enkidu, his equal counterpart, was created as a human. Both characters display heroism through their superhuman abilities, but the author argues that Gilgamesh's transformation from a villain to a hero is crucial. This transformation is mirrored in The Banality of Heroism, which posits that any individual has the potential to become a hero by using their abilities for the benefit of others.\n\nThe author emphasizes that heroes are not solely defined by their abilities but also by how they utilize them to improve the world. Enkidu, initially viewed as a common person, becomes a hero by positively influencing Gilgamesh's life. This illustrates that anyone can contribute to creating a better world and potentially become a hero themselves.\n\nBoth characters demonstrate physical and mental strength, overcoming their call of duty by working together to defeat Humbaba. This showcases the importance of combining physical power with mental resilience in the pursuit of heroism.\n\nZimbardo and Franco's article, \"The Banality of Heroism,\" further supports the idea that anyone can be a hero. They argue that we are all potential heroes waiting for a moment to perform a heroic deed. The key difference between heroes and villains lies in their perspective – whether they view their actions as good or evil.\n\nThe movie Hancock provides a contemporary example of this concept. Initially unaccepted by society, Hancock, with his superhuman abilities, was considered a hero. However, his identity crisis raises the question of whether he was a hero from the start or developed into one over time. Ultimately, the author concludes that each individual has the potential to become a hero or villain, depending on how they perceive themselves and their willingness to overcome obstacles to bring about positive change in the world.",
  "summary": "Brian Kim World Masterpieces 1st Period How To Be A Hero I grew up watching superhero cartoons and reading comic books. They followed the general trend of a superhuman hero, a victim in need of help, a supervillain, and a call of duty. As a child, I believed this was the definition of a hero. I dreamt of being that man with the super Spidey sense, that superhuman strength, and the tight…",
  "key_points": [
    "Heroes evolve from superheroes to selfless individuals using abilities for others' benefit.",
    "Enkidu transforms from a common person to a hero by positively influencing Gilgamesh's life.",
    "Anyone can become a hero by perceiving themselves as capable of positive change."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}