1. How does Heracles show that he is strong?

2. What terrible crime did Heracles commit?

3. What kind of person was King Eurystheus?

4. What did Heracles do to the Nemean Lion?

5. What is the Hydra and how did Heracles kill it?

6. Did Heracles only use his strength to complete his labours?

7. Was Heracles a perfect character? Why or why not?

Joseph Campbell wrote a book called “The Hero with a Thousand Faces”

This book makes links between all heroes in literature throughout history – world mythology, popular movies, modern day comic books, etc.

It even makes links between literary heroes and the events and decisions that shape individual lives

All heroes (should) follow the same 9 patterns…

Hero Mythology

Unusual conception, birth or childhood

Enemies who make his life difficult / dangerous

Allies while performing the task / quest

Face difficulties due to nature of quest /

enemies (physical, mental, etc.)

May conquer death (escape through maze,

in and out of underworld)

Guaranteed success due to qualities and allies

Prohibitions that are bound to be broken at least once

May have a special weaponor item of clothing – usually

part of iconography

Stories explain things about the natural world

For each of the 9 aspects of the hero myth, identify which aspect of Heracles’ story relates to it

Are there any of the 9 that Heracles’ story does not contain?

Put them into chronological order based on the story we’ve read this week.

Metaphor – an image created in the reader’s mind by directly comparing two things

“my stomach was a knot as I waited”

Simile – an image created in the reader’s mind by comparing two things using like or as

“my heart was pounding like a drum – I was nervous”

Technique Example Effect

“he had to fight a thousand angry women, fierce as wasps”

This makes the reader think of...

“the Hydra looked like nothing more than a knobbly tree stump”

This makes the reader think of...

“he slashed through many snaking necks without being bitten”

This makes the reader think of...

“the sun scorched Atlas’ neck and the moon shaved his beard”

This makes the reader think of...

“To rest from his labours for all time, among the singing planets”

This makes the reader think of...

Extension:

1. Draw a three-panel cartoon that illustrates three similes or metaphors from the story (hint: use the table)

OR

2. Write a paragraph to tell Heracles’ story in your own words – be sure to use similes and metaphors of your own creation!