Real world myths and legends: Who's Epic Level?

[ColonelHardisson]

Thought I'd post a fun little topic, just to help ease the tension today. Please, let's limit our discussion to anything that isn't from one of the top three major religions - I don't want to sound draconian, but I'm hoping this won't turn into a flame war.

So, what heroes from myth and legend seem to be of Epic level to you? By Epic level, I mean in the D&D sense - above 20th level, and with powers and abilities that are beyond those of the 20th level and below D&D characters. Here are my lists, to get started:

Epic level:

Achilles
Lancelot
Cu Chulainn
Hercules (yeah, I know he's in Deities & Demigods, but indulge me)

Non-Epic level:

Gawaine
Arthur
Jason
Bellerophon
Aladdin


Remember, these are just my lists; there are no right or wrong answers.

 

[Akunin]

Gilgamesh!

 

[Pielorinho]

Epic:
Coyote (rogue)
Ananse (rogue/bard)
Bran (titan fighter? Definitely in a PrC)
Merlin (wizard)
Morgan La Fey (sorcerer)
Can't remember the name: the wild west guy that rode cyclones (Rogue/fighter/barbarian)

Non-Epic
Theseus (fighter)
Daedalus (wizard)
Dirty Harry (fallen paladin)
Paul Bunyan (hill giant ranger)
Perseus (fighter)

Daniel

 

[Apok]

Can't remember the name: the wild west guy that rode cyclones (Rogue/fighter/barbarian)

Pecos Bill

 

[Wolfspider]

Interesting question!

I think Gilgamesh would be Epic level.

I would have to add Odysseus to the list of Greek heroes. He's certainly an epic level rogue!

Beowulf is Epic.

Sigurd would also be Epic level.

I'm sure some of the Finnish heroes would also be of this level of renown, but I can't remember how to spell their names right now.

Hmmmm....I'll brainstorm some more.

 

[Oogar]

I choose to exploit the great american mythos of the last century.

Superman
Batman
Spiderman

And I choose the three of them not due to a "power" that they have, rather it is for the rich Mythos of which each of these characters is a part.

 

[Frostmarrow]

James Bond, should be epic level in my opinion. The d20 system doesn't support this very well though as JB constanlty gets his ass kicked by common grunts. All in all, however, JB is the hero of the twentieth century.

 

[JPL]

Davy Crockett, it should be noted, killed him a bear when he was only three.

That's epic.

 

[Balsamic Dragon]

Some more epic level characters...

Brunhilda
Baba Yaga
Galadriel

Non-epic level:

Joan de Arc
Cleopatra
Medea


Balsamic Dragon

 

[hong]

James Bond, should be epic level in my opinion. The d20 system doesn't support this very well though as JB constanlty gets his ass kicked by common grunts. All in all, however, JB is the hero of the twentieth century.

The term "epic level" should not, IMO, be used as a synonym for "famous".