Rhode Island Pagans

In light of Veteran's Day (USA)...

Let's talk about Heroes!

In ancient times, Heroes were revered as a bridge between mortals and the Gods. Their worship was often connected with miraculous cures, prophecy, and the founding of cities. They could do much on their own, but they also acted as intercessors or messengers between the worlds (i.e. angeloi). Lastly, they were (and are) models of virtue for the People. In some Southern Italian Craft traditions, they teach that only two categories of people enter Elysium after death - namely, Initiates of the Mysteries AND those who had died a Heroic Death.

There is a strong connection between the classical cult of Heroes and the Christian cult of the Saints. Much as with the Catholic/Orthodox Christian practice of imbedding relics to hallow places of worship, each Greek city had its Hero shrine - with a relic of the founding or patron Hero and a hearth lit from the mother city's flame. Children would be named in the hope that the Heroes (or Saint) would impart their grace and guidance to them growing up.

In your opinion... what is the need (if any) for Heroes today? Who qualifies? Does the cult of Heroes still survive on some level in society? Who are some of your personal Heroes, and why? What lessons and blessings do they bring you?