In the monotheistic traditions, the idea of saints is to an extent similar that of the previous idea of the hero. They are similar in the sense that both act as a middle figure in the connection between humans and gods. In the Old testament the stories are mostly related to human figures who can best be put under the category of heroes. The heroes and saints are alike in establishing the human connection with the divine. Both are considered to be extraordinary figures, above common humanity and closer to divinity.

The difference between the two lies in the fact that while Heroes mainly represent external worldly adventures and were held as a source of pride, the saints represent internal spirituality. Still in a sense, saints are also considered heroes where they symbolize the heroic struggles and sacrifices on the way of fulfilling God’s will. For example, Moses may not be considered very similar to Hercules, still he is a human figure who experiences adventures while serving the community values and working to fulfill the God’s will. However, Moses is mainly a religious leader, a prophet and a law giver according to the Hebrew Bible and Quran. Even, in case of Christianity there is an important role of heroes, however instead of heroes, Christianity has used the label of saints. In Islam also, the idea of saints or prophets is to a degree similar to that of that of the heroes. The saints are venerated for their trust in God which never waned even in the face of sufferings. Quran mentions Jacob as a preacher of monotheistic faith and revers him for his extraordinary patience during periods of suffering.

Reference:

Religion: Three Religions One God (n.d.). In Global Connections. Retrieved May 26, 2013, from HYPERLINK “http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/globalconnections/mideast/themes/religion/” http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/globalconnections/mideast/themes/religion/

Khan, A. (1992, October). The Review of Religions. In Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. Retrieved May 26, 2013, from HYPERLINK “http://www.alislam.org/library/links/00000129.html” http://www.alislam.org/library/links/00000129.html