| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Shadovar |
Posted - 05 Apr 2005 : 02:18:32
Greetings, here is a short question, "Who you think is the greatest hero/heroine on Faerun?"
My answer is well Drizzt Do' Urden. What's yours? |
| 30 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Sill Alias |
Posted - 17 Feb 2010 : 11:50:25
Most heroic person? Actually I vote for Fiodor. He risks his life for many noble causes: for the honor, justice, goodness and of course love. His judgement is born from his heart, which is not ruled by stereotypes and judges by acts, not appearance. His storyteller soul is the source of it. Good men always die young. |
| Darkstar Daimonizomal |
Posted - 30 Jul 2009 : 01:38:27
The greatest heroes and heroines tend to be roughly the same as my alignment (NE) and favorite class (Wizard) to play in games:
Gromph Baenre,
Alassra Shentrantra Silverhand (the Simbul), and
Szass Tam
~ Darkstar
|
| Lord Necro |
Posted - 30 Jul 2009 : 00:54:10
I find that Galaeron Nihmedu is the most heroic, its amazing how he deals with his shadow constantly. |
| creyzi4zb12 |
Posted - 26 Nov 2008 : 14:42:21
Oh yeah, it also gave me the shivers when she granted her pain to the ghazneth in order to stop it. ANd she never ended up with the father of her baby. |
| creyzi4zb12 |
Posted - 25 Oct 2008 : 14:42:56
My favorite hero definition would be Azoun's daughter Tanalasta....coz she wasn't so perfect....plus he beat all those ghazneths to oblivion. |
| BEAST |
Posted - 19 Oct 2008 : 10:46:14
This depends on how one defines "hero". And that's not a simple feat, either. It's not so simple as "nice brave action star guy"...
Best I can tell, the word originated with the Greek term hêros, literally meaning "a guardian or protector", which usually was applied to a demigod after some notably brave accomplishment. This referred to a whole slew of characters. They were not necessarily all that noble. Some could be very petty, very vicious asses, even. Demigod heros were motivated or inspired by either their relationships with their godly relatives, who often did not take keenly to the notion of gods mixing with mortals; or with their human associates, who could be jealous of the extra powers and attention that half-divinity bestowed on a fellow. This does not necessarily make for a goodly chap. It could just as well turn out someone with a chip on his shoulder, desperate to prove himself to the world; or someone who wanted to toy with the gods just because he thought he could; or someone who is so frazzled at the edges that he does something extremely horrific in defiance.
So with that in mind, I guess you could have an evil hero, and it would be just as legitimate of a realization of the term as any goodly hero.
What's more, there also appears to be an unfortunate variety of hero. The legend of Hero and Leander features a priestess of Aphrodite (Hero) who commits suicide when her lover (Leander) dies. This Hero is neither particularly goodly nor evil. She just bravely takes a plunge in her state of grief...
Which reminds me of the flak that the comedian/talk show host Bill Maher received back shortly after 9/11. On one of his last episodes of the broadcast TV program Politically Incorrect, he commented that the terrorists should not be summarily dismissed or ridiculed because of some alleged stupidity or cowardice, but rather, they ought to be feared and respected (of a sort) because of their bravery, courage, and determination to stand up for their cause, no matter what. He was basically saying to "respect your enemy, lest he overwhelm you in your underestimation of his operational competence". Such terrorists could, from a certain point of view, qualify as evil heroes.
So a hero could be either goodly, evil, or tragic, it would seem. Add that diversity of type to your consideration of degrees of greatness. 
Personally, I am admittedly rather limited in the scope of my familiarity with the Realms. I am grossly absorbed with the works of RA Salvatore, as he was my portal to the Realms, and he has been prolific, to say the least. At any rate, I hardly feel qualified to select a greatest of anything in the Realms, nor would I want to, if I could. Rather, I try to find the noteworthy characteristics of all of the little gifts that have been crafted for our enjoyment.
And no, I'm not saying that just to be politically correct, or to refrain from stepping on anyone's toes! 
As much as I enjoy reading about our familiar forlorn drow ranger, I would like to point out that RAS himself has stated often that he does not intend for Drizzt to be some larger-than-life superhero figure. His intent is for Drizzt to be seen as just one member of a team, in an open-ended story. That readers have idolized the guy certainly has been profitable for both RAS and WOTC, no doubt, so both have willingly hung their hats on his scimitars, prominently. But RAS says that he himself does not perceive the lavender-eyed one as the greatest of anything... |
| prodigy12 |
Posted - 15 Oct 2008 : 23:10:01
well i have too say my evenly liked heros drizzt do'urden and erevis cale both of which i have a special interest in and have so far read all of there related novels... |
| Pandora |
Posted - 10 Oct 2008 : 07:02:49
quote:
Originally posted by Dagnirion
quote:
Originally posted by Pandora
quote:
Originally posted by Alisttair
KARSUS
Shouldnt he be ranked among the villains since he screwed up magic for us?
-Of course not. Risking everything for my people- is that not an extremely virtuous and heroic character trait?
Did he really try to do it "for the people" or just for his own ego and his own power? Ego = evil most of the time ... and they had slaves and such in Netheril if I remember correctly, so it couldnt have been such a grand place after all. |
| Lord Karsus |
Posted - 10 Oct 2008 : 00:42:31
quote:
Originally posted by Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
It is!
-Right. It is, it is. |
| Rinonalyrna Fathomlin |
Posted - 10 Oct 2008 : 00:17:36
quote:
Originally posted by Dagnirion
-Of course not. Risking everything for my people- is that not an extremely virtuous and heroic character trait?
It is! |
| Lord Karsus |
Posted - 10 Oct 2008 : 00:15:42
quote:
Originally posted by Pandora
quote:
Originally posted by Alisttair
KARSUS
Shouldnt he be ranked among the villains since he screwed up magic for us?
-Of course not. Risking everything for my people- is that not an extremely virtuous and heroic character trait? |
| Pandora |
Posted - 15 Sep 2008 : 11:38:44
quote:
Originally posted by Alisttair
KARSUS
Shouldnt he be ranked among the villains since he screwed up magic for us? |
| StarBog |
Posted - 15 Sep 2008 : 10:09:06
Thrall?
*joke*
Of the "mortals", I would say Azoun IV. He stopped the Tuigans, and aided by Vangey, foiled just about every bad guy or group in Faerun in some fashion, and created a strong and prosperous nation. |
| TheEasilyDiseased |
Posted - 15 Sep 2008 : 01:44:26
quote:
Originally posted by XNedra
Cattiebrie is a quiet heroine but I think my fav overall would have to be Drizzt's dad. Only thing is I cannot remember his name (now I feel shame) . He died to protect his son (sort of). Something rarely heard of in the underdark[/font=Lucida Console]
Drizzt's dad's name is zaknafein (just finished reading Homeland)
To me, the greatest hero would be...Mask, yes mask, because he risked himself by defying cyric and hiding kelemvor from him during part of the time of troubles |
| Pandora |
Posted - 31 Jul 2008 : 15:10:17
Mine are ...
Arilyn Moonblade & Danilo Thann. |
| Aravine |
Posted - 17 Apr 2008 : 17:17:53
quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
It isn't necessarily fanaticism. It is easy, particularly if one has not read a large number of Realms novels, to assume that any one noteworthy character is likely the best member of his/her class in the entire setting, or at least numbers among the ranks of the best.
see, I wouldn't have a problem if he explained why.... |
| Aravine |
Posted - 17 Apr 2008 : 17:15:24
quote:
Originally posted by Shadovar
Greetings, here is a short question, "Who you think is the greatest hero/heroine on Faerun?"
My answer is well Drizzt Do' Urden. What's yours?
Ed Greenwood. beyond that, definatly Szass Tam.
In all seriousness, that is a hard question |
| ShepherdGunn |
Posted - 09 Oct 2007 : 12:42:12
Personally, the greatest heroes of the Realms are The Seven Sisters. They keep being put through the ringer, and keep coming back. Khelben comes in right behind them, and IMHO El comes in right afterwards. I think this is the only time that the Old Sage of Shadowdale comes in after the Blackstaff, but then El didn't sacrifice his life for a city. Of course... I don't know El might die in the next mega-adventure RSE that gets published. (I doubt it, I like El a whooooole lot!!!! He's fun to use to torture PCs, and I'd be really bummed if I couldn't have him do the whole Gandalf "I just pointed him in the right direction" routine.)
Of course, I think Ed of the Greenwood, Eric of Boyd, Lady Elaine of Cunningham, The Lady Lisa of the Men of Smed, and all the rest are heroes in my book. Without them, we couldn't even have this conversation. (I'm not kissing up, I'm being honest.) |
| Rinonalyrna Fathomlin |
Posted - 06 Oct 2007 : 06:05:16
Yes, thinking that Drizzt's the greatest hero in the Realms is a perfectly valid opinion (and that's all it was, an opinion). |
| Wooly Rupert |
Posted - 03 Oct 2007 : 17:31:57
It isn't necessarily fanaticism. It is easy, particularly if one has not read a large number of Realms novels, to assume that any one noteworthy character is likely the best member of his/her class in the entire setting, or at least numbers among the ranks of the best. |
| Aravine |
Posted - 03 Oct 2007 : 15:42:15
no offence intended to anyone. |
| Aravine |
Posted - 03 Oct 2007 : 15:41:00
quote:
Originally posted by Shadovar
Greetings, here is a short question, "Who you think is the greatest hero/heroine on Faerun?"
My answer is well Drizzt Do' Urden. What's yours?
this is another example of drzzit fanaticism it certanly isn't a very fair statement. most of my characters could easily be more heroic, and most of them were |
| Rinonalyrna Fathomlin |
Posted - 12 Sep 2007 : 03:35:36
quote:
Originally posted by Delzounblood
I've always thought the little guy was as much a hero as the sword swinging famous / infamous charater headlining the story!
I think so too. I like "little guys", and of course any answer regarding the greatest hero is going to be subjective. |
| Rinonalyrna Fathomlin |
Posted - 12 Sep 2007 : 03:34:35
quote:
Originally posted by Warrax
The weight of her opinion meant much in letting Shandril walk her own path (a nod to her own youth), which was a sort of noble and heroic act as well.
My opinion was that it was really Elminster who showed wisdom and restraint in that scene (he convinced the Simbul that not letting Shandril go on her way would be an abuse of power). |
| Delzounblood |
Posted - 05 Sep 2007 : 21:51:07
quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
quote:
Originally posted by Delzounblood
I've always thought the little guy was as much a hero as the sword swinging famous / infamous charater headlining the story!
My favs must be the dwarf Jill in Silvershadows by EC. Followed by Fret in RAS Exile or Sojourn I forget which!
Yes both are dwarves but so am I
Though for a non dwarf, my fav is Elaith another of EC's creations.
Delz
Elaith was Ed's creation. He first saw print in FR1 Waterdeep and the North. Elaine "acquired" him from there, but she has since made him "her" character ("her" as in, she's the one who writes about him most and is most associated with him, though she didn't create him). Ed is, as I understand, quite happy with how Elaine has depicted the Serpent.
As another sidenote, Elaine confirmed, in response to a question of mine, that Jill was loosely inspired by the Johnny Cash tune "A Boy Named Sue".
Oops most humble apologies to ED, and really Jonny Cash!!!!?
GO EC
Delz |
| Wooly Rupert |
Posted - 04 Sep 2007 : 22:55:17
quote:
Originally posted by Delzounblood
I've always thought the little guy was as much a hero as the sword swinging famous / infamous charater headlining the story!
My favs must be the dwarf Jill in Silvershadows by EC. Followed by Fret in RAS Exile or Sojourn I forget which!
Yes both are dwarves but so am I
Though for a non dwarf, my fav is Elaith another of EC's creations.
Delz
Elaith was Ed's creation. He first saw print in FR1 Waterdeep and the North. Elaine "acquired" him from there, but she has since made him "her" character ("her" as in, she's the one who writes about him most and is most associated with him, though she didn't create him). Ed is, as I understand, quite happy with how Elaine has depicted the Serpent.
As another sidenote, Elaine confirmed, in response to a question of mine, that Jill was loosely inspired by the Johnny Cash tune "A Boy Named Sue". |
| Delzounblood |
Posted - 04 Sep 2007 : 21:23:24
I've always thought the little guy was as much a hero as the sword swinging famous / infamous charater headlining the story!
My favs must be the dwarf Jill in Silvershadows by EC. Followed by Fret in RAS Exile or Sojourn I forget which!
Yes both are dwarves but so am I
Though for a non dwarf, my fav is Elaith another of EC's creations.
Delz |
| Warrax |
Posted - 04 Sep 2007 : 04:16:51
It occurs to me that this discussion hasn't really described what "great" really is, what it implies.
A guard who stands his ground in the face of overwhelming odds may be a hero but he's not the greatest hero in all the Realms in my mind.
Greatness, at least in comparison to others, comes from magnitude and frequency of deed.
So the greatest heroes of the Realms, at least IMHO, are those who've been doing it the longest and who's actions have either prevented the most evil and/or caused the most good.
So that puts the Seven Sisters, Elminster and Khelben pretty high up on the list.
Obviously, people like Azoun still count because they had significant and lasting impact. But Azoun will fade away; he, like the dead heroes of empires long fallen, will be forgotten far sooner than beings like the most notable Chosen of Mystra, who've all been around for 500+ years (Khelben 900+ and Elminster like 1,200+ IIRC).
These guys haven't just done things confined to their empires. Alustrial has the Silver Marches organized in a way never before seen. She's got Silverymoon and the confederation and all of her immense influence in the Silver Marches.
Khelben cut a deal that rather significantly impacts the Western Heartlands, created the Moonstars, has been a ridiculously significant figure in Waterdeep for ages, and of course, was responsible for that high magic in the sequence of events ultimately costing him his life. This is a guy who's been making an impact on Faerun for so long that he can't possibly be left out of the discussion, far above and beyond any single-act heroes that can be called readily to mind or drawn from some obscure piece of Realmsian lore.
Storm Silverhand? The Bard of Shadowdale and her involvement with the Harpers?
The Simbul's a tougher call but she's constantly engaged in battle against the Red Wizards and other threats to Aglarond, so for sheer volume of what you might deem 'heroic' acts, she's there. The weight of her opinion meant much in letting Shandril walk her own path (a nod to her own youth), which was a sort of noble and heroic act as well.
And Elminster...
I think Elminster has to take the crown on this one.
He took the throne of Athalantar from the hands of the evil magelords dominating his childhood home, has involvement in the creation of Myth Drannor, acts as a foster parent for Laeral, Storm and Dove, his constant aid to Shadowdale in resisting maulagrym, Zhentarim and all manner of foes facing the little dale...
I can't think of anyone else with the resume Elminster has as far as doing things that are ultimately helpful to the Realms. |
| XNedra |
Posted - 14 Feb 2007 : 18:50:15
Cattiebrie is a quiet heroine but I think my fav overall would have to be Drizzt's dad. Only thing is I cannot remember his name (now I feel shame) . He died to protect his son (sort of). Something rarely heard of in the underdark[/font=Lucida Console] |
| Skeptic |
Posted - 18 Dec 2006 : 16:58:20
quote:
Originally posted by Dargoth
Im going to say Azoun IV and Midnight, Adon and Kelemvor
Azoun IV for stopping the Tuigans
Midnight, Adon and Kelemvor for recovering the Tablets of Fate(Cyrics not included because he persued the Tablets of Fate for selfish reasons)
Hmm.. IRRC the tablets were in fact quite useless no ? |
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