They typical hero is thought to be muscular beyond compare, possessing bravery that is unrivaled, and most often than not, a male. Tolkien proves that heroes can come in all shapes and sizes with the Lord of the Rings. I find that heroes are simply fighting for a cause that no others will stand up against. Hercules is a good hero (the Disney version; not actual myth) because he strives to constantly save people in distress and help others in every day fashions as well. He does not charge for his services but instead takes satisfaction in being the hero itself.

Heroes are most definitely dauntless, but that does not mean they do not have fears. What makes the hero unique is that he pushes through his inhibitions and qualms to succeed in his tasks of vanquishing evil rather than submitting to them.

Heroes are cash crops in the movie business as well as in literature. Males especially love to read and see these steadfast figures smiting foe after foe with an M47 rifle or a gargantuan war axe. It allows them to live some of their fantasies; being the hero themselves. People often enjoy something that they can relate to: living in the temporary fantasy of accomplishing great deeds to which are normally alien to them. The world is in need of heroes still, even though there are not evil sorcerers with vast empires set on world domination, there are warlords that kill innocent people by the hundreds. There are monopolies that make their profit by hording supplies which causes the poor to live with undying hunger. Heroes in reality take all forms and do not need mighty weapons to defeat their adversaries. They are needed, and people are waiting.