Hero

Abstract: Attempts to capture the terms ‘hero(ine)’ and ‘heroic’ in supertemporal and essentialist definitions are rooted in a subliminal need and seem obvious due to the persistence and topicality of the subject. However, heroic properties (and their theoretical analyses) are, as a vast number of studies on the subject shows, specific to a culture, group and era. To date, all-encompassing definitions have not been able to reflect this historicity. Against this background, a heuristic working definition and delimitation of the concept appear sensible and necessary.

The definition of hero(ine) proposed herein is based on an understanding of ‘heroic’ as a culturally constructed, relational and processual phenomenon: hero(in)es substantially contribute to the establishment of collectively potent models of order, are created subject to certain social and historical conditions and are represented in various media. This understanding directs our attention towards the processes of heroization and heroism, i.e., firstly, towards the question of how a real (living or dead) person or a fictional character becomes a hero(ine) of a collective and, secondly, towards the collective guidance from and adoption of conduct considered heroic. Heroization and heroism occur within the framework of communicative processes that serve not only the social functionalisation of the heroic, but also have their own dynamic and creative power

Object Details

• Location: Deutsche Nationalbibliothek Frankfurt am Main
• Extent: Online-Ressource
• Edition: Version 1.0, published 17 August 2022
• Language: Englisch

Classification and Topics

• Keyword: Held ; Heldin ; Heroisierung ; Heroismus ; Heros ; Herrscher ; Gruppenidentität ; Märtyrer ; Medien ; Sozialer Prozess

Contributors, Places and Time

• Event: Veröffentlichung
• (where): Freiburg
• (who): Universität
• (when): 2023
• Contributor: Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg. Sonderforschungsbereich 948 "Helden - Heroisierungen - Heroismen"

Further information

• DOI: 10.6094/heroicum/hde1.0.20220817
• URN: urn:nbn:de:bsz:25-freidok-2363413
• Rights: Open Access; Der Zugriff auf das Objekt ist unbeschränkt möglich.
• Last update: 14.08.2025, 10:55 AM CEST