Bravery

Definition

Bravery is the quality of facing danger, pain, or challenges with courage and determination. This characteristic is often portrayed in myths through heroes who confront formidable foes, make difficult choices, and endure hardships in pursuit of noble goals. Bravery not only involves physical courage but also moral strength, as heroes must often choose between personal desires and the greater good.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Achilles exemplifies bravery through his fierce combat skills and his willingness to face death for glory during the Trojan War.
2. Agamemnon displays bravery not only on the battlefield but also in making tough decisions that affect the entire Greek army.
3. Odysseus shows bravery by confronting numerous supernatural threats on his journey home, relying on both cunning and physical strength.
4. Hector represents bravery as he defends Troy against overwhelming odds, standing firm against formidable adversaries like Achilles.
5. Aeneas embodies bravery through his leadership in fleeing Troy and facing various challenges to ensure the survival of his people.

Review Questions

• How do the actions of Achilles demonstrate the concept of bravery within his narrative?
  • Achilles’ actions illustrate bravery through his willingness to fight fiercely in battle despite knowing that it may lead to his early death. His choice to return to combat after losing Patroclus showcases his commitment to honor and glory over personal safety. This choice defines him as a quintessential hero whose valor transcends mere physical confrontation.
• In what ways does Agamemnon's leadership reflect the complexities of bravery beyond physical confrontation?
  • Agamemnon's leadership reflects bravery not only through his military prowess but also through his ability to make tough decisions that impact his entire army. His choice to sacrifice his daughter Iphigenia for favorable winds demonstrates a moral courage that complicates traditional views of heroism. This act highlights how bravery can involve personal sacrifice for a perceived greater good.
• Evaluate how Odysseus’s journey illustrates the multifaceted nature of bravery in overcoming both external and internal challenges.
  • Odysseus’s journey showcases bravery as he faces numerous external threats such as mythical monsters and hostile environments. However, it’s also his internal struggles—dealing with temptation, fear, and doubt—that reveal true courage. His cleverness in overcoming obstacles while maintaining his resolve to return home exemplifies how bravery is not solely about facing physical dangers but also about enduring personal trials and staying true to one's goals.

Related terms

Heroism: Heroism refers to the qualities or actions of a hero, showcasing exceptional courage and selflessness in the face of danger.

Valor: Valor is great courage in the face of danger, especially in battle, often admired and celebrated in stories of warriors.

Sacrifice: Sacrifice involves giving up something valuable for the sake of others, often seen as a significant aspect of bravery in heroic narratives.