Tolkien

1
Tolkiens Definition of the Hero

• the actual heathen warriorused his great gift
  of strength to earn glory and praise among men
  and posterity
• - Beowulf The Monsters and the Critics (c.
  1936)

2
Tolkiens Heroic Ideal

• Strength
• Glory
• Praise Among Men
• Posterity
• From the Latin posterus, meaning coming after
• Basically, you will be remembered in the
  generations coming after you.

3
Comitatus

• A warrior band that pledges allegiance to one
  another, and to a lord.
• In return for loyalty in battle, the members
  receive treasure and entertainment.
• The expectation is that you will fight in battle
  with the lord until your death.
• Defined by the philosopher Tacitus.

4
Comitatus