Hero
1
9.9
- proper noun
- /ˈhɪəroʊ/
- Literature
- In Shakespeare's 'Much Ado About Nothing', the character Hero experiences heartache when her loyalty is questioned.
- Hero and Leander
Examples
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In describing Leander's swim across the Hellespont to see his beloved Hero, Gongora explains that Venus, the goddess of love, is unable to assist the drowning Leander because she is too busy eating udders with Mars.
Academic text (1990) -
The tragic story of Hero and Leander highlights themes of love and loss in ancient mythology.
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By leading us to Hero and Leander, they made it easier to know what we may be looking for.
Blog text (7) -
It's the regret and longing for this simpler time that drives the myth of the Hero.
Blog text (26) -
Zelda tells Link in Majora's Mask that the Goddess of Time is protecting him, the Hero of Time.
Blog text (26) -
Thus, Hero and Leander, like Pyramus and Thisbe, are undesirable role models for young people in love.
Academic text (1990) -
Where other fair-goers see the story of Hero and Leander, Busy sees only the physical realities paraded on the stage.
Academic text (2003) -
Examples of the Hero and Leander story, in which the latter appears midway through a pool representing the Hellespont, come from several locations in Pompeii.
Academic text (2012) -
Rather than endowing Hero and Leander with human values (i.e., bravery, ambition, etc.), Gongora transforms these mythological figures into inanimate objects.
Academic text (1990) -
Hero's unwavering devotion to Leander drove her to despair after his untimely death in the Hellespont.
Idioms
- Informal
1
7.4
To become successful and respected after being unknown or unsuccessful
Compounds
1
2.8
A large sandwich on a long crusty roll filled with meats, cheese, and vegetables
- Jargon
1
7.7
A player who tries to win alone in important moments instead of trusting teammates
1
7.0
A person admired for important work in art, music, writing, or ideas that change society
- Literature
A strong, rough warrior from an ancient society who is the main character in stories
Surface Forms
Etymology
Hero (the priestess in the myth) comes from the Greek word hērōs, which meant 'protector' or 'a great person'. Her name marks her as a famous or important figure, which is why poets still tell the sad tale of Hero and Leander as a story about love and courage.