From the Merriam Webster Dictionary:
Hero
a mythological or legendary figure often of divine descent endowed with great strength or ability
a man of distinguished courage or ability, admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities
From Dictionary.com:
A Culture Hero
a mythical or mythicized historical figure who embodies the
or ideals of a society.
Gilagmesh- Mesopotamia
CuChulainn- Ireland
David- Israel
Lleu- British
Maui - Polynesian
Beowulf - Scandinavia
King Arthur- Wales
Chuko Liang- China