Ms. Foster
English II Honors – Period 2
19 September 2016
[The Will of the Quill]
What is a hero? Is a hero someone who possesses super-human abilities, a leader for justice and freedom, or a savior? A hero can be parts of all of these things, and more. A hero is someone who has above average wits and strength, but who is also still human and capable of imperfection and mistakes. A hero is a good leader, who can be honest and fair with his followers or team, whom he depends upon, but can dominant and commanding at the same time. A hero is brave and courageous, but has his or her own fears and needs, which are usually not openly displayed. A hero has a quest and something to prove, and is always searching for something more …show more content…
In the Epic of Gilgamesh, the citizens of Uruk do not see their king as a hero, they see him as an oppressive and cruel tyrant. The gods of Mesopotamia also do care for Gilgamesh, and even fear his power, which causes them to send Enkidu as a counter-part to Gilgamesh’s power. Gilgamesh does not possess the honorable qualities of a hero, that is why the gods feel the need to suppress him before he becomes too dangerous. Peter Quill on the other hand, while arrogant in his own way, is much more honorable than Gilgamesh the King. Quill is able to bring a group of hardened criminals together to form a team that will go on to save a whole planet. What is more, is that Quill cares for each of them as well, and for the innocent lives in the galaxy. Peter Quill risks his own life several times, not for his own good or glory, but in order to protect those he cares about and innocent lives. Quill, even as cocky as he can be, shows a form of altruism where he would give his own life for people to whom he owes nothing, for no reward of his own. After Quill delivers an inspiring speech to the other four Guardians, asking them to join him for the final battle against the evil Ronan, Drax the Destroyer says, “You 're an honorable man, Quill. I will fight beside you” (1:19:00). This quote, and other statements made by the rest of the Guardians, display how much they look up to Star Lord as a friend, leader, and