At the time of the Odyssey and the Iliad, heroes were ranked according to their achievements. From Odysseus to Achilles, all men idolized as heroes were so because of their world-changing deeds and conquests, their unfathomable wealth, and their achievements that will forever be remembered in history . But today, in a world plundered by war, poverty, controversy, drugs, disease and economic mistakes, who really deserves to be called a hero? There are no more titans on earth, bloodthirsty men armed with chain mail, spears and swords, leading huge armies into battle. And yet, even though circumstances have changed, people have not, and the need for heroes, role models and beings of unfathomable perfection, has not dissipated from society, even as the did the ancient hero. In the United States today, the notion of a hero is very different. People in the ancient world were idolized because of their inconceivable strength, wealth, or intelligence. However, the people that modern Americans admire and model themselves after possess qualities such as selflessness, courage, and determination that make them true role models. The heroes of ancient Greece were great and terrible figures of Herculean strength and superhuman power. They were not considered heroes for their personality or character, but for the massive number of soldiers killed in war or in one-on-one duels won for their country. A perfect personification of the ancient hero is Achilles, the protagonist of Homer's The Iliad. As described in the manuscript, Achilles was the greatest fighter and warrior among the Achaeans. He is an exceptional warrior and The Iliad is filled with tales of his victories in battle. Not only that, but he defeats Hector, the leader of the Trojan arm...... middle of paper ......ers, for never taking everything for himself and for taking the non-violent path towards conflict resolution as much as possible. . Americans are raised to be inspired by people like Wayne Gretzky and are encouraged to develop determination, selflessness, and modesty, instead of the athletic abilities embodied by Wayne Gretzky. The concept of the American hero shows how much society has evolved since ancient times: this society has moved from the desire for perfection and the desire for everything for itself to equality, teamwork and compromise. Instead of a society of stress, pressure, and hostility, today's American lives in a society where, instead of focusing on violence and honor, people focus on love and care for others. Heroes of old were famous for the trophies of war on their walls: the American hero is famous for the trophies in his heart..