In preparation for a lengthy essay on Homer's Odysseyconcerning heroism, what is the Greek definition of heroism/a hero? What is heroism in ancient...

The
word hero comes from the ancient
Greek word heros, which is translated as a
"'protector' or 'defender'" though, on the whole, when
applied to heroes, the term developed two different meanings ( href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hero">"Hero: Etymology").
One ancient Greek meaning of hero was
originally as a demigod, meaning half god and half man ( href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hero">"Hero"). A demigod
was born of both god and mortal parents. The belief in demigods also correlated with the
cult of hero worship. In this cult,
deceased individuals were worshiped, much like in ancestor worship, through sacrificial
offerings and other activities, for great deeds the individuals accomplished while alive
(Stevanovic, href="http://www.doiserbia.nb.rs/img/doi/0350-0861/2008/0350-08610802007S.pdf">"Human
or Superhuman: The Concept of Hero in Ancient Greek Religion and/in Politics," p.
7). Myths developed around these worshiped heroes, and they were
thought of as divine ("Human or Superhuman," p. 8). However, the ancient Greek
definition of a hero progressed through time. Soon, heroes became
defined as those who "display courage and the
will for self-sacrifice" when...

href="http://www.doiserbia.nb.rs/img/doi/0350-0861/2008/0350-08610802007S.pdf">http://www.doiserbia.nb.rs/img/doi/0350-0861/2008/0350-08...
href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hero">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hero