In literature, the concept of the hero has long been a central theme, exploring the qualities that define heroic characters, from strength and courage to sacrifice and moral integrity. Throughout poetry, this theme has been depicted in various forms, capturing the diverse aspects of heroism. The following twelve poems serve as vivid illustrations of what it means to be a hero, offering readers a glimpse into different types of heroism and the nuances of human valor.
1. “The Charge of the Light Brigade” by Alfred, Lord Tennyson
Tennyson’s “The Charge of the Light Brigade” is a stirring narrative poem based on a real military event during the Battle of Balaclava in 1854, during the Crimean War. The poem celebrates the bravery of British cavalry soldiers who, through a miscommunication, charged directly into the enemy’s artillery lines, knowing they faced certain death. Tennyson’s use of repetition and vivid imagery—especially phrases like “Into the valley of Death / Rode the six hundred”—evokes a sense of fearless heroism. Despite the confusion that led to the charge, the soldiers’ unwavering commitment to duty makes them heroic figures, emphasizing sacrifice and duty over personal survival.
In this poem, Tennyson doesn’t glorify the futility of war but highlights the noble courage of those who followed orders despite the obvious peril. The heroism here is not based on victory or success, but on the willingness to face death for a greater cause.
2. “Beowulf” (translated by Seamus Heaney)
One of the most famous epic poems in the English language, Beowulf tells the story of its titular hero, Beowulf, who battles monstrous creatures to protect the kingdom of the Danes. The poem is steeped in Anglo-Saxon values such as honor, loyalty, and the importance of reputation. Beowulf’s heroic deeds include his defeat of Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and, ultimately, a dragon in his old age, highlighting his unwavering courage and strength.
In the epic, heroism is often tied to physical might, but it also speaks to moral fortitude and the sense of duty to one’s people. As Beowulf grows older and faces his final battle, the poem also explores the idea of heroism in the face of mortality. Heroism here is depicted not just in the deeds performed, but in the legacy left behind, showing how heroes inspire future generations.
3. “The Hero” by Siegfried Sassoon
Siegfried Sassoon’s “The Hero” takes a starkly different approach to heroism, focusing on the disillusionment of soldiers during World War I. The poem follows a young soldier’s death and how his sacrifice is glamorized by the people back home. Sassoon critiques the idea of heroism, showing how the hero’s true fate is far less glamorous than it is made out to be in public discourse. The soldiers who die are not necessarily heroes, but victims of the futility of war.
In this poem, Sassoon challenges the conventional glorification of military heroism and exposes the gap between idealized views of heroism and the grim realities of combat. The heroism depicted here is ultimately empty, questioning the narrative that soldiers’ deaths are honorable and noble.
4. “Iliad” by Homer (translated by Robert Fagles)
The Iliad is another cornerstone of heroic poetry, recounting the events of the Trojan War. Central to this epic is Achilles, the greatest of the Greek warriors. In this poem, heroism is depicted through physical prowess, honor, and personal rage. Achilles’ heroism is marked by his incredible fighting ability and his uncompromising desire for glory. However, his withdrawal from battle due to a personal slight brings forth an important discussion of pride and the consequences of unchecked emotions.
Homer presents a multifaceted view of heroism: while Achilles’ strength and courage make him a formidable hero, his pride and stubbornness ultimately contribute to tragic outcomes. The poem reflects on the human flaws that can complicate the hero’s journey, making it clear that heroism is not always as simple as victory and valor, but involves complex emotions and relationships.
5. “Invictus” by William Ernest Henley
William Ernest Henley’s Invictus is a short yet powerful poem that explores the theme of personal resilience and courage in the face of adversity. Henley wrote this poem while recovering from surgery to amputate his leg, and it reflects his defiance against his physical limitations. The poem’s narrator, facing hardship and suffering, declares his ability to control his own fate, epitomized in the lines, “I am the master of my fate, / I am the captain of my soul.”
This poem highlights heroism not through physical feats or external acts of valor, but through inner strength and the ability to confront personal trials with determination. Invictus has become a symbol of perseverance, showing that true heroism lies in mental fortitude and self-mastery, regardless of the external circumstances.
6. “A Hero” by Ralph Waldo Emerson
Ralph Waldo Emerson’s A Hero takes a philosophical approach to the concept of heroism. In this brief yet profound poem, Emerson meditates on what it means to be a hero. He suggests that a hero is one who exemplifies greatness through their actions, not by conforming to societal expectations but by following their own inner voice. Emerson emphasizes the idea that heroes are not just exceptional individuals but are often those who challenge the status quo and exhibit profound self-reliance.
The hero in Emerson’s poem is not necessarily someone of physical strength or worldly power, but an individual who inspires others through their moral courage and independent spirit. The poem’s message underscores the significance of the individual and the importance of personal integrity as the foundation of heroism.
7. “To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time” by Robert Herrick
Although Robert Herrick’s To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time is often read as a carpe diem poem, it can also be interpreted as an exploration of heroism through living life fully and making the most of one’s time on earth. The poem encourages the reader to embrace youth and vitality, to seize opportunities, and to act boldly. This can be seen as a form of heroism—acting decisively and with purpose, without succumbing to the fear of failure or regret.
Here, heroism is depicted in the pursuit of joy and the vigorous embrace of life, suggesting that living boldly and with full awareness is its own kind of bravery. The poem’s message encourages readers to take action and live heroically, regardless of the external obstacles they may face.
8. “The Song of Hiawatha” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Longfellow’s The Song of Hiawatha is a narrative poem that celebrates the heroic exploits of its titular character, Hiawatha, a legendary Native American figure. In the poem, Hiawatha embodies many traditional virtues of heroism, including bravery, wisdom, and a deep connection to nature. He is a skilled warrior, a wise leader, and a figure who performs miraculous feats to benefit his people.
Through Hiawatha, Longfellow presents a vision of heroism rooted in the harmony between humanity and nature. The heroism of Hiawatha transcends physical combat; it is about using one’s gifts and knowledge to bring about peace, justice, and prosperity for one’s people. This broader definition of heroism connects with the idea of the hero as a servant to others, someone whose greatness lies in their selfless acts for the community.
9. “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost
Though The Road Not Taken is often considered a poem about choices and individualism, it also contains an underlying theme of heroism. In the poem, the speaker reflects on a choice made in the past and imagines how their life could have been different had they taken the other path. While the speaker does not outwardly take heroic action, the poem’s message centers on the bravery required to make choices that deviate from the norm and to live a life of uniqueness.
The heroism here is not about grand, visible deeds, but about the internal courage required to forge one’s own path. Frost’s depiction of heroism as a quiet, personal decision, rather than a public display of strength, makes this poem a nuanced reflection on what it means to be a hero in one’s own life.
10. “The Man with the Hoe” by Edwin Markham
In The Man with the Hoe, Markham writes about a working-class man who, despite his physical labor, is not celebrated as a hero in society. The poem paints a picture of a man crushed under the weight of oppressive labor, yet there is an implicit suggestion that this very man embodies a kind of silent, sacrificial heroism. The heroism of the worker is shown through his perseverance and ability to endure hardship, even though society fails to recognize his worth.
Markham uses the man’s suffering to critique societal structures that value the few over the many, but also to point out that heroism is often found in the quiet resilience of everyday people. The poem serves as a call for social justice, elevating those whose heroism is often overlooked.
11. “The Raven” by Edgar Allan Poe
While The Raven may not feature a traditional hero in the sense of physical prowess or moral clarity, the poem’s protagonist embodies a different type of heroism: the heroism of confronting grief and loss. As the narrator struggles with the death of his beloved Lenore, the raven symbolizes both a challenge and a test of his emotional endurance.
In this sense, the heroism of the speaker is his ability to face the sorrow and despair that life brings. Through his interactions with the raven, the poem explores the emotional resilience required to navigate profound loss. Poe’s protagonist may not emerge victorious in a traditional sense, but his confrontation with his own anguish elevates him to a form of quiet heroism.
12. “The Soldier” by Rupert Brooke
Rupert Brooke’s The Soldier is a patriotic poem written during World War I, reflecting the idealized notion of a soldier’s sacrifice for their country. The poem speaks to the soldier’s willingness to die for a greater cause, with the narrator claiming that his body, once laid to rest in a foreign land, will enrich the soil and become part of the very country he fought for.
In this poem, heroism is linked with the ultimate sacrifice—the giving of one’s life for one’s country. The poem expresses a romanticized vision of heroism that was prevalent during the early years of World War I, emphasizing duty and honor above all else. The soldier in Brooke’s poem is the epitome of patriotic heroism, willing to die without hesitation for the ideals of his nation.
Conclusion
These twelve poems explore a wide range of perspectives on heroism, from the traditional warrior archetype to the quiet courage of everyday individuals. While some of the poems celebrate outward acts of valor, others delve into the more complex aspects of heroism, including sacrifice, personal strength, and resilience. Through these works, we see that heroism is not a one-size-fits-all concept but is instead a deeply personal and often multifaceted quality that can be expressed in numerous ways. Whether through physical acts of courage, the confrontation with personal demons, or the silent endurance of hardship, these poems remind us of the diverse ways in which heroism can manifest in the human experience.
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