Unit 1B's introduction to the Five Great Themes of World Literature states with regard to the hero: "The surest way to understand what a culture of the past most values is to focus on what it considers heroic, in that a culture recognizes its heroes as embodying its most important ideas, the values that are essential." Discuss the diverse values that our two epic heroes, Rustem and Dante, embody. Which values embodied by these epic heroes are endorsed or celebrated by their societies? Are any of their values condemned or rejected by their societies? Illustrate your discussion with specific examples of the heroes' obligations to their societies and what their values reflect about their cultures.

Rustem is a warrior, has superhuman strength and is the one who drives enemies through battles. he is committed as his people, facing anything to keep them safe. Rutem represents honor, strength and masculinity, which were characteristics highly appreciated by the Persian people. He does not present himself as an educated and educated man, but as a brutal warrior. although this was appreciated by the Persians, many cultures believed that these characteristics represented barbarism and should not be appreciated.

Dante, on the other hand, represents an academic, someone cultured, meek and turned to God, willing to repent of his sins and live a holy life, which prevents him from going to hell and suffering the terrors he saw there. Dante is a preacher, an utterance of a powerful and divine word. He is not a warrior and has no physical strength, but he frees his people from danger through his words. This was much appreciated by medieval Europe, which was very much focused on Christianity, although Dante's passivity was not admired in many societies.