THE EPIC HERO

ENGLISH 301Ms. Selby

WHAT IS AN EPIC HERO?1. In mythology and legend, a

man, often of divine ancestry, who is endowed with great courage and strength, celebrated for his bold exploits, and favored by the gods.

2. A person noted for feats of courage or nobility of purpose, especially one who has risked or sacrificed his or her life

3. A person noted for special achievement in a particular field

4. The principal character in a novel, poem, or dramatic presentation.

WHAT DO HEROES TEACH US?

• The hero’s quest helps us understand our own journey through life.

• The hero is a social icon that represents the values important to a society.

CHARACTERISTICS OF A HERO

• Imposing in stature (physical or social)

• Their style is grand, yet simple (humble/humility)

• The setting of their story is vast (more than 1 setting/nation)

• Super-human courage and strength

• Faces supernatural forces

THE HERO’S JOURNEY

• BIRTH: The hero comes from humble origins or a disadvantaged situation.

• INITIATION: The hero discovers that he has a special calling.

• THE QUEST: The hero sets out on a journey which is both physical and spiritual. The hero will face temptation, and have obstacles to overcome and a foe to vanquish. A mentor may help them achieve their goals.

THE HERO’S JOURNEY

• ROMANCE: The hero will often meet a romantic counterpart that aids or challenges him further.

• THE JOURNEY HOME: The hero achieves his goal, then returns home where his exploits are celebrated.

THE HERO’S JOURNEY

Now that you’ve learned the characteristics of an epic hero, you will use your knowledge to identify how Odysseus fits this category, as well as how future characters we will encounter

from our readings fit the bill.

YOUR TASK