folk-hero
Celebrated common champion
A folk-hero is a person celebrated in popular stories, songs, or legends for deeds that embody a community's values—often defying authority or overcoming great odds.
Some folk-heroes are historical figures whose exploits became mythologized: Robin Hood, Davy Crockett, Harriet Tubman.
Others are entirely legendary.
The term extends to anyone who captures public admiration through unconventional achievement: He became a folk-hero to hackers everywhere.
Top competitor, or advocate
- defenderOne who guards another
- liberatorOne who frees others
- protectorOne who safeguards others
- saviorOne who rescues another
warrior · underdog · trickster · giant-killer · everyman · peasant · working-class · David-and-Goliath
Fugitive from justice
- revolutionarySeeking fundamental systemic change
- insurgentOne who revolts
- guerrillaIrregular armed fighter
- banditArmed roadside thief
renegade · dissident · resistance · defiance · underdog · maverick · Zorro · smuggler
Deeply respected, admired
- belovedOne who is treasured
- celebratedWidely known and praised
- honoredGiven recognition or respect
- admiredRegarded with approval
cherished · idolized · lionized · praised · esteemed · martyr · saint · patriot
Unverified traditional tale
- mythTraditional explanatory tale
- sagaExtended heroic narrative
- epicImpressively grand in scope
- taleSpoken or written narrative
lore · chronicle · narrative · bard · storyteller · adventure · quest · odyssey
Inherited cultural legacy
- traditionCustom passed through generations
- oral-historyRecorded firsthand accounts
- storytellingRecounting events aloud
- balladNarrative poem or song
customs · community · identity · roots · authenticity · ethnography · dialect · proverbs
champion
Top competitor, or advocate
savior · warrior · underdog · trickster · giant-killer · everyman · peasant · working-class · David-and-Goliath · rogue
outlaw
Fugitive from justice
- revolutionarySeeking fundamental systemic change
- insurgentOne who revolts
- guerrillaIrregular armed fighter
bandit · renegade · dissident · resistance · defiance · underdog · maverick · Zorro · smuggler · poacher
revered
Deeply respected, admired
- belovedOne who is treasured
- celebratedWidely known and praised
- honoredGiven recognition or respect
admired · cherished · idolized · lionized · praised · esteemed · martyr · saint · patriot · icon
legend
Unverified traditional tale
tale · lore · chronicle · narrative · bard · storyteller · adventure · quest · odyssey · triumph
heritage
Inherited cultural legacy
- traditionCustom passed through generations
- oral-historyRecorded firsthand accounts
- storytellingRecounting events aloud
ballad · customs · community · identity · roots · authenticity · ethnography · dialect · proverbs · fables
folk-herovillain
Wicked story antagonist
public enemy · bogeyman · monster · scoundrel · criminal
folk-herooppressor
One who dominates cruelly
tyrant · despot · overlord · class enemy · robber baron
hero, folk, heroic, folklore, heroism, heroine, heroes, superhero, folksy