This ideal was prevalent in classical Greek society along with various others which together became the epitome of Man and of heroic exploit. These included athleticism, individuality, knowledge, and glory. Like the Renaissance which drew from it, this period stressed individuals over the corporate, wealth over socialism and glory over modesty. It's no wonder that the greatest heros came from this period in literature.

And Jecht would have fit in with them nicely.


[Jecht as classical hero]
In truth, Jecht fits all of the aforementioned qualities which would have made a man successful in mythical Greek of mythology as well as respected in the later, factual Classical period. In fact, arete is very much like Jecht's personal motto. He is the best; he strives for his perfection in blitzball and gains it in dream-Zanarkand. Once in Spira, he eventually decides to fully dedicate himself to Braska and his pilgrimage and so he does, with vigor and devotion which would ultimately lead to his own death. Easily, the characteristics of boldness, cleverness, glory-seeking, confident can be applied to him and each of these are definite aspects of arete.

He also fulfills the other ideals as well -- namely, athleticism and individuality. Unlike the people of Spira who have a very medieval belief in corporatism -- how else could they continually produce summoners who are so willing to die -- Jecht is himself and does what he does for himself. He is never limited by anyone's ideas about what he should or shouldn't do. And, of course, he's physically impressive, largely undressed in comparison to his companions. Strong, courageous and the do-er of good deeds, Jecht is a hero which would have made Athena proud.


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