HEROIC CODE
Heroism in contemporary times would not mean something as intense as before. It is not anymore glued with martyrdom and fantasies. Heroism rather in this modern period is more on giving or doing little things that have a huge impact in the society. One does not need to be killed before he may be called a hero. I am a hero. Are you?
The epic Iliad also has heroes in it. They exemplify what is stated in the so-called Heroic Code. Heroic Code is defined as the unwritten rules that guide the conduct of the Homeric Heroes (Dunkle, Roger). The primary objective of these heroes is to gain honor, such that honor is said to be more important than life, and without it, life would be something worthless. For a hero to be successful, there is a need to survive from the fittest. And when one does not, then by all means he is a failure and death might prevail him. What is essential in the heroic code is the ability of the person to win a battle to get the highest honor. It is not enough that one excels or succeeds; he has to stand out on his own way of shining.
Hero’s code of honor is comprised of his valor and physical abilities or strengths and less on his possessions and social status. His courage and will to receive honor is because of his response to the cruel realities of life back then. Such that dangerous, fated conditions of human life are what’s offered to them and they have to face them. The only assurance one may perceive from those kinds of conditions is the inevitable death. Turning one's back on the endeavor or trying to walk away from the fighting group simply guarantees that death will come sooner rather than later (Ian Johnston). Those who run get a spear in the back, so there is clearly no room for cowardice and fear in the battlefield. One has to accept the challenge given to him – no holding back.
Virtues are also part of the heroic code, and the opposite of that are the hero’s vices. However, what is greatly stressed on analyzing...