The Christianization of the Greek Hero: The Proof of Immortality

Jesús M. Nieto Ibáñez

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Chapter 9 The Christianization of the Greek Hero

The Proof of Immortality

In: Myth and Religion: The Cultural and Philosophical Significance of the Hero

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Jesús M. Nieto Ibáñez

Jesús M. Nieto Ibáñez
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Type:: Chapter

Pages:: 219–243

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004744264_011

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Abstract

In the transition from Hellenism to Christianity, mythology becomes a widely used procedure to represent the values of the new religion without an apparent break with classical antiquity. The classical hero is reinterpreted in a Christian key for his exploits against evil, for his bravery, for his strength in the fight against the evil beings that harass the human being. The hero’s greatest feat is the victory over death, which undoubtedly makes him similar to Christ. Hercules, Orpheus, and Ulysses, among other heroes, are interpreted by their symbolic and allegorical meaning as victors over death, as a parallel to Christ. This explains the presence of these heroes in the art of early Christianity and, above all, in patristic literature.

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Myth and Religion: The Cultural and Philosophical Significance of the Hero

Series: New Research in the History of Western Philosophy, Volume: 12

E-Book ISBN:: 9789004744264

Publisher:: Brill

Print Publication Date:: 21 Nov 2025

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Chapter 9 The Christianization of the Greek Hero

The Proof of Immortality

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Citation Info

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Myth and Religion: The Cultural and Philosophical Significance of the Hero

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