This idea comes from the concept that a man became a hero because he possessed certain qualities. Among these qualities is heroic poise, which requires a hero to insist on his greatness and maintain due modesty before the gods. He had to know himself and be able to evaluate and act on a situation. He also had to recognize the moment when the gods withdrew their help and at that moment the hero had to retreat from the battle. If he failed to recognize how his action was governed by the gods, he lost his heroic balance and made a tragic mistake. If he didn't follow the gods and make his own decisions, he had to live with the shame of his mistake and, when he made a mistake, he lost approval and freedom.