SwayBlog

What defines a hero? Are all heroes heroic?

Denis Till, London, UK

• A hero is someone who gives of himself, often putting his own life at great risk, for the greater good of others. However, such as in war situations, what is good for others will always divide opinion into opposing camps. Outside of the standard dashing war portraits of men/women facing the gates of Hell, the most heroic are often the most ordinary of people doing ordinary things for a greater humane purpose. Think Mother Teressa or Ghandi. The word "hero" is far too often applied these days without much thought. Like the Media's overuse of the word "closure", its meaning has become muddied and not, as it was meant to be, an extraordinary example of human achievement that makes the rest of us gasp in wonder or question the validity of the honour.

  Daniel Lillford, Bridgetown, Nova Scotia, Canada

• Heroes overcome their fear of danger in order to do good for others. Film stars, rock guitarists and cancer victims are therefore not heroes but curiously footballers are because they risk injury to help their team mates.

  Denis Till, London, UK