How did the Middle Ages define and celebrate heroes?

During the Middle Ages, heroes were often defined by their chivalric ideals, including bravery, loyalty, and honor, particularly in the context of knighthood and warfare. Celebrations of heroes typically took the form of epic poetry, literature, and oral traditions, with figures like King Arthur and his knights symbolizing noble virtues. Additionally, religious figures and saints were venerated as heroes for their piety and sacrifices, intertwining faith with ideals of heroism. These representations shaped societal values and inspired individuals to aspire to similar virtuous qualities.