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What trials unite not only Harry Potter or Frodo Baggins but many of literature's most interesting heroes? And what do ordinary people have in common with these literary heroes? Matthew Winkler takes us step-by-step through the crucial events that make or break a hero.

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Searching for spirituality or moral sanctuary? We unearth 10 of the best pilgrimages to cleanse the modern soul.

In a world of gadgets and instant gratification, a pilgrimage seems like an archaic concept. Something lifted from the pages of a medieval text, perhaps. But, as increasing numbers of us seek refuge from the demands of modern life and its electronic distractions, venturing into the wilderness in search of spirituality has never seemed more appealing.

So we've picked 10 pilgrimage routes from around the world worthy of the long walk. Some are rooted in the world's major religions, while others are simply about taking on a challenge and enjoying an authentic cultural experience.
The Way of St James, France and Spain
The Way of St James (or Camino de Santiago) is arguably one of the most famous pilgrimage routes in Europe, with over 200,000 people undertaking the journey to Santiago de Compostela, the alleged resting place of St James, every year.

The most popular route is the so-called 'French Way'. Beginning in the southern French town of Saint-Jean-Pied-De-Port, pilgrims cross the Pyrenees through Lower Navarre and proceed through northern Spain to the iconic cathedral.

The long stretch weaves its way between picturesque towns and vast cornfields. Accommodation takes the form of basic, family-run hostels dotted along the route. The journey takes around four weeks in total.

How far? 780km (485 miles)
Where? Southern France & northern Spain
When should I go? April to September
Mecca, Saudi Arabia
Regarded as the holiest place in Islam, it is a religious duty for all able-bodied Muslims to attempt the pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj) at least once in their lifetime. The holy mission culminates in a visit to the Masjid al-Haram mosque, the largest mosque in the world, or more specifically the Kaaba - a cuboid building in the centre of the mosque - which all Muslims must face when performing salat (prayers).

Unfortunately, it is strictly prohibited for non-Muslims to visit the holy city of Mecca. However, Medina, the second holiest city in Islam and burial place of the prophet Muhammad, does allow non-Muslims to enter, though certain areas remain restricted.
Sanctuary of Atotonilco, Mexico
Known colloquially as the Sistine Chapel of Mexico, this church and popular pilgrimage site is an intense mix of beauty and brutality. The chapel's spectacular ceiling, which took artist Antonio Martínez de Pocasangre over 30 years to complete, depicts - in rather gruesome detail - images of Jesus Christ being beaten and tortured, and has consequently led to the chapel becoming a pilgrimage site for those who engage in religious penance.

Two weeks before Easter each year, over 5,000 Christians from Mexico gather at Atotonilco to engage in spiritual exercises, which include mortification of the flesh through flagellation and fasting. On Saturday at midnight, a procession embarks on an all-night pilgrimage to arrive in San Miguel de Allende at the break of dawn on Sunday, kicking off a long list of holy events leading up to Easter.
Glastonbury Tor to Stonehenge, UK
Pagan traditions envelope these two mystical sites in the heart of the English countryside. A journey to the summit of Glastonbury Tor, a hill on which stands the roofless Grade I-listed St Michaels Tower, is said to lead the pilgrim on a journey of rebirth, returning as a new person. While this transformation may not be a guarantee, the stunning view of the Somerset countryside has many pilgrims flocking to the summit each summer.

Within a 15-hour hiking distance from The Tor lies the remarkable Stonehenge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, that's thought to have been constructed as early as 2600 BCE. The stone circle has long been the site of ceremonies for neopagans and druids. Time your journey right and you could join the 10,000-strong crowds who gather each June to celebrate the summer solstice.
Madonna del Ghisallo, Italy
A pilgrimage for those who prefer pedal power to power walking, the 17th-century Madonna del Ghisallo chapel in Lombardy is the mecca of the cycling world. Dedicated to La Madonna Del Ghisallo, the patroness of cyclists, the chapel's interior walls proudly display glass-framed jerseys from some of the best riders in the world. Along with an incredible collection of memorabilia, the chapel also burns an eternal flame for cyclists who have lost their lives competing in the sport.

The ride to the site from the nearby tourist town of Bellagio is suitably challenging, being around 10.6km in length and climbing 552 meters.
Kumano Kodō, Japan
The Kumano Kodō is the name given to a series of ancient pilgrimage routes that criss-cross their way through the mountainous Japanese Kii Peninsula to the revered Kumano Sanzan temple complex, the birthplace of the Kumano cult.

The route through the mountains is breathtaking, both due to the rugged mountain landscape and the tiny traditional wooden villages that line the walkway. The most popular of the pilgrimage routes is from Takijiri-oji, the gateway to the sacred area of Kumano, with an optional overnight stay in a traditional minshuku (Japanese-style bed and breakfast) at the tiny village of Chikatsuyu-oji. After completing the long trek to the sacred site, travellers can relax in the only UNESCO World Heritage hot spring open to the public in Yunomine - for the reasonable price of 770 yen, the bath is yours for 30 minutes.
The Lagoons of Huaringas, Peru
The 14 ponds and lakes of the Huaringas in Peru are a popular pilgrimage for those searching spiritual healing from the sacred Shaman or Witch Doctors that reside in the area. These 'healers' perform ceremonies to those who are facing ills, often using Ayahuasca, a hallucinogenic drink, which claims to cure everything from depression to the common cold.

Pilgrims who have made the journey to visit the Shaman are inducted into special ceremonies. First, the weary traveller visits the lakes to bathe in icy waters which are said to absorb diseases and restore positive energy. This is followed by a more intimate ceremony that takes place at midnight in the home of the 'healer'. In a half-conscious state, the Shaman uses his invisible power of healing to cure all participants of their woes. Booking through tour operators is advised.

Cast into a rock atop this verdant peak is said to be the sacred footprint of Buddha. Competing claims are made by other faiths; Muslims say the impression is the first footstep of Adam (of Eve fame), Hindus believe it was made by Shiva.

Whoever it belongs to, this stunning summit in central Sri Lanka attracts thousands of pilgrims every year. Most climb in the cool of night, taking breaks from the steep ascent at one of the many tea shops en route. Time it right and visitors can watch a dazzling sunrise over Sri Lanka before checking out the mystery footprint.

Every year thousands of people from numerous faiths make the pilgrimage to the remote Mount Kailash, believing that circumnavigating the mountain on foot will bring good fortune. Some claim the 52km trek must be made in a single day, while diehard believers crawl the entire route - a feat that takes roughly four weeks.

Officially, walking around the holy mountain has to be done on foot, pony or yak, which takes most travellers three days. Nobody has ever reached the summit of the holy Mountain, and while the path circling Kailash is widely used, it is strictly forbidden to attempt the climb.
Char Dham, India
Char Dham is the ultimate pilgrimage for those looking to embark on a journey of cultural discovery. The Char Dham, widely revered by Hindus, is a pilgrimage route that leads people to the four sacred sites of India; Badrinath in the north, Rameswaram in the south, Dwarka in the west, and Puri in the east. It is considered highly sacred to visit Char Dham (all four sites) in a Hindu's lifetime.

The journey of 6,276km is a test both physically and mentally, and unlike many of the pilgrimages on the list, it requires travel by foot, motor vehicle and train. Many travellers struggle when selecting a route around this geographic goliath of a nation, but the perfectly square Char Dham itinerary provides a comprehensive, all-encompassing route, which will see you leave the crowds of Goa, Delhi and Mumbai in your wake.
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This article was updated on 06/03/18

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The 10 best pilgrimages for modern travellers - World Travel Guide

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In a world of gadgets and instant gratification, a pilgrimage seems like an archaic concept. Something lifted from the pages of a medieval text, perhaps. But, as increasing numbers of us seek refuge from the demands of modern life and its electronic distractions, venturing into the wilderness in search of spirituality has never seemed more appealing.

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Curious to see tons of pictures and paintings about Unknownâ€™s Beowulf? We have them here.

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Anglo-Saxon epic heroes, such as Beowulf, exhibit a series of attributes that separate them from the normal men and women who rely on them to liberate them from the oppression of monsters and other threats. By understanding the qualities that make Beowulf a hero, you can then better understand how other Anglo-Saxon epic heroes, such as Fadlan of "The 13th Warrior" or even the warrior Christ in "The Dream of the Rood" fit into their respective worlds.

Appearance

First and foremost, an epic hero must look the part. Greek heroes, like Hercules, were not merely mortals, but demigods, and the idea that a hero must be more than a man carries over into Anglo-Saxon epic poetry. Beowulf is greeted by the first Dane who sees him with an acknowledgment of his awesome presence: "I have never seen a mightier warrior on earth than is one of you, a man in battle-dress."

Strength

While appearance is important, it is no empty gesture; superhuman strength is also essential to the Anglo-Saxon epic hero. In the seventh section, lines 8 to 10 of Beowulf, titled "Hrothgar and Beowulf," Hrothgar describes Beowulf as having the strength of 30 men: "Who valuable gift-gems of the Geatmen carried / As peace-offering thither, that he thirty men's grapple / Has in his hand, the hero-in-battle."

Courage

Courage, in the Anglo-Saxon tradition, works in conjunction with strength, despite the separation that exists in modern culture which sometimes commends restraint and tactical retreats. According to Christopher Garcia of Pace University, Beowulf and other epic heroes are capable of successfully challenging fate -- "which was thought to be unchangeable" -- because of adequate courage. Beowulf himself speaks to this importance of courage when arguing with Unferth. He says, ""Fate often saves an undoomed man when his courage is good."

Humility

Appearance, strength and courage -- for the Anglo-Saxon epic hero -- are balanced by humility. After he has defeated both Grendel and Grendel's mother, Beowulf turns down the Danish throne, and decides to return home without treasure. He is described in the poem as "The mildest of men and the gentlest, kindest to his people, and most eager for fame." It should be noted by his eagerness for fame, however, that pride, and possibly hubris, exist in Beowulf simultaneously as his humility, and may be interpreted as a tragic flaw for his ultimate downfall.

Thick Skin

In addition to the other qualities possessed by one such as Beowulf, the Anglo-Saxon hero must appear impervious to emotional sorrow or weakness. Garcia claims that the Anglo-Saxon hero "had to be strong, brave, intelligent, and humble, but he must at all times keep his sorrows and fears to himself." As a warrior the hero must appear stoic and fearless at all times, no matter what.

About the Author

Christopher Cascio is a memoirist and holds a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing and literature from Southampton Arts at Stony Brook Southampton, and a Bachelor of Arts in English with an emphasis in the rhetoric of fiction from Pennsylvania State University. His literary work has appeared in "The Southampton Review," "Feathertale," "Kalliope" and "The Rose and Thorn Journal."

Photo Credits

Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images

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What Characteristic Is Typical of Heroes in Anglo-Saxon Epic Poems as It Applies to "Beowulf"?

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Anglo-Saxon epic heroes, such as Beowulf, exhibit a series of attributes that separate them from the normal men and women who rely on them to liberate them from the oppression of monsters and other threats.

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He's gotta be strong and he's gotta be fast, and he's gotta be fresh from the fight... Bonnie Tyler stuck in your head now? You're welcome (LOL).

Everyone loves a good hero story. What do you think of when you imagine a hero? Someone big, strong, brave, and willing to do anything for others, perhaps. A hero often comes from nothing, only to rise above the ranks with some supernatural (or seemingly supernatural) power to fight off the forces of evil in the name of truth and justice. A hero endures obstacles but never gives up. He (or she) perseveres. However, they tend to always look the part, right? At least in the end, such as the heroes from the comics.

Personally, my favorite hero stories are the ones where a character's essence is so beyond what anyone could imagine a hero to be-the ones where no one expects heroic acts from them.

One of my all-time favorite stories is The Lord of the Rings. If you have not seen them, first of all, I definitely encourage it! But if you have not, here is a brief synopsis:

A little Hobbit named Frodo finds the One Ring of power, and sets out on a quest to destroy it in the fires of Mt. Doom, where it was originally created, along with 8 other companions. Very few outside of the companions believed that a mere Hobbit could succeed after so many others have failed (succumbing to the power of the Ring).

But Gandalf, the Wizard, does: "My dear Frodo. Hobbits really are amazing creatures. You can learn all there is to know about their ways in a month, and yet after a hundred years, they can still surprise you."

"Some believe it is only great power that can hold evil in check. But that is not what I have found. I have found that it is the small everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keep the dark forces at bay. Small acts of kindness and love." -Gandalf

In the end, it is the following qualities that truly make up the essence of a hero:

The Jews were awaiting their hero. They expected a big, strong leader like the kings of old. However, Jesus came as the most unexpected and fragile being-a baby. However, through His earthly life, He would exemplify all of these traits. He gives us the hope through His example that we can be heroes too. Not only that, we are expected to be. Maybe not to the entire world, but maybe for our families, friends, or those within our sphere of influence.

Sam: I know. It's all wrong. By rights, we shouldn't even be here. But we are. It's like in the great stories, Mr. Frodo. The ones that really mattered. Full of darkness and danger, they were. And sometimes you didn't want to know the end. Because how could the end be happy? How could the world go back to the way it was when so much bad had happened? But in the end, it's only a passing thing, this shadow. Even darkness must pass. A new day will come. And when the sun shines it will shine out the clearer. Those were the stories that stayed with you. That meant something, even if you were too small to understand why. But I think, Mr. Frodo, I do understand. I know now. Folk in those stories had lots of chances of turning back, only they didn't. They kept going. Because they were holding on to something.

Sam: That there's some good in this world, Mr. Frodo... and it's worth fighting for.
The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, 2 to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, 3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion-to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor. Isaiah 61:1-3

Photo Source- http://www.ndoherty.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/hero.jpg

Katie Wimberly She and her husband, Nate, have been married for three years and have recently had a son, Isaiah. She is a licensed mental health counselor, and currently works for a transitional living program for young adults ranging 17-21 in age, and a private counseling agency in Statesville. She attended Liberty University, where she received a Bachelor's degree in Biblical Studies, and a Master's in Professional Counseling. She is passionate about seeing people liberated from things holding them back in life so that they can live the limitless life God has called them to. Katie and Nate help lead a friends group for young families.

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He's gotta be strong and he's gotta be fast, and he's gotta be fresh from the fight... Bonnie Tyler stuck in your head now? You're welcome (LOL). Everyone loves a good hero story. What do you think of when you imagine a hero? Someone big, strong, brave, and willing to do anything for others, perhaps.

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A hero thinks of others before they think of themselves
A hero will die to protect
A hero can be of any age, any colour
A hero can be man, woman or child
A hero is courageous, loving and brave
A hero will never complain
A hero can be made in one act of compassion
Or years of tender loving care
Some hero's are remembered, whilst many are left forgotten
Hero's are angels in disguise, saving precious innocent lives

I dedicate this poem
To Pvt Steven Freund, Officer Kevin Tonn and all fallen heroes.

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05 - A Hero Poem by nicola burkett - Poem Hunter

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05 - A Hero by nicola burkett. .A hero thinks of others before they think of themselves A hero will die to protect A hero can be of any age any colour A hero can be man woman or . Page