A person cannot be a hero without first performing a heroic deed. Traditional deeds are slaying of monsters and saving people from certain death. A hero always fulfills the definitions of what is considered good? and noble in the originating culture.
Sometimes an actual person might achieve enough status to become a hero in people's minds. This is usually complemented by a rapid growth of myths around the person in question, often attributing him or her with powers beyond those of ordinary mortals.
Well-known heros approach the gods in status in some cultures.
Famous heros include: Hercules (ancient Greece), King Arthur (medieval England), Mulan? (China), Beowulf (medieval England), and [Stenka Razin]? (Russian folk hero).