Mythological/Legendary Heroes:
* Rama (India): The protagonist of the Hindu epic Ramayana, a symbol of righteousness, virtue, and duty.
* Krishna (India): A prominent figure in Hinduism, considered an avatar of Vishnu, known for his wisdom, charisma, and divine powers.
* Hanuman (India): A monkey god and devoted follower of Rama, known for his immense strength and loyalty.
* Guan Yu (China): A legendary general of the Three Kingdoms period, revered for his loyalty, courage, and martial prowess.
* Zhong Kui (China): A demon-quelling deity, protector against evil spirits and illness, often depicted with a ferocious appearance.
* Sun Wukong (China): The Monkey King from the classic novel Journey to the West, known for his mischievous nature, boundless energy, and magical abilities.
* Gilgamesh (Mesopotamia): A legendary king and hero from ancient Mesopotamia, famous for his quest for immortality.
* Thor (Norse Mythology): While not specifically Asian, Thor is worshipped in parts of Asia, especially in Scandinavia, for his strength and thunder-wielding abilities.
Historical Figures:
* Genghis Khan (Mongolia): A powerful and ruthless leader who united the Mongol tribes and conquered vast territories.
* Mao Zedong (China): A revolutionary leader who established the People's Republic of China, considered a hero by many for his role in modernizing the country.
* Ho Chi Minh (Vietnam): A revolutionary leader who led Vietnam to independence from French colonial rule.
* Gandhi (India): A leader of the Indian independence movement, known for his philosophy of non-violent resistance.
* Nelson Mandela (South Africa): A South African anti-apartheid revolutionary and political leader, widely recognized for his struggle against racial segregation.
* Lee Kuan Yew (Singapore): The first Prime Minister of Singapore, credited with transforming the nation into a prosperous and modern city-state.
Modern Heroes:
* Jackie Chan (Hong Kong): A renowned martial arts actor and filmmaker, known for his acrobatic stunts and comedic timing.
* Bruce Lee (Hong Kong): A legendary martial artist and actor who popularized martial arts films worldwide.
* Sachin Tendulkar (India): A world-renowned cricketer, considered one of the greatest batsmen of all time.
* BTS (South Korea): A global K-Pop group known for their music, performances, and positive messages.
Important Notes:
* This list is not exhaustive and there are many other famous heroes throughout Asia, depending on the specific country and cultural context.
* The term "hero" can be interpreted in various ways, encompassing individuals who display courage, leadership, innovation, or other admirable qualities.
* Perceptions of historical figures can be complex and subject to debate. Some individuals considered heroes in one context may be viewed differently in others.
Remember that the concept of a hero is often subjective and culturally influenced. This list provides a starting point for exploring some of the prominent figures who are widely recognized as heroes within Asian societies.