What is a hero?You will be working with a partner for today’s

assignments!Read “The Life and Times of Hercules,” a well-

known account of a hero and heroic action, and annotate.

With your partner, draft a list of characteristics and qualities of a hero that were presented in the story.

Now consider your list and create a list of heroes in other areas such as history, religion, pop culture, folktales, art, politics, literature and modern times. Try to have at least 3-4 heroes in EVERY category

With your partner, answer the following questions and write a working definition of HERO.What constitutes a hero? What qualities do certain heroes have that make them

exceptional? When have we seen a situation give rise to an

unconventional hero or heroine? Do all heroes have something in common about their

appearance? What are some of the lessons that heroes can teach us? What differences exist among cultures with regard to

their concept of heroes? How can we compose an interesting way to present our

definition visually to the class? Create a visual representation/mini-poster to present with your definition.

Background Info/Literary Terms

Homer’s EpicsConsidered statements of cultural identity

Heroes embody the values of Greek culture.Bravery, loyalty, intelligence, honor to the gods,

heroism, glory, determination, etc.

More on Homer

Homer is said to be the first teller of adventures of all times. He was not the first author because in his day stories were passed down---they were told. He was a blind man whose date of birth is unknown.

Form In Medias Res

In the middle of thingsThe epics begin in the middle of the story but

flashback to past events.General outline and characters of stories were

already known to audience.The Trojan War

Invocation (invoking Muses) Muses are goddesses of poetry, art, music, and dance. Invoking the Muse was a poet’s way of asking for

inspiration and ideas.The Odyssey, The Iliad, and Paradise Lost (Britain).

Stock EpithetsPhrases used to rename characters based on

traitsAchilles of the swift feetHector breaker of horsesSinger emperor of knowledge

Fun Review (song) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CiQ4j-D5o4o

Background of the Iliad

Trojan WarEris – goddess of discord (disagreement)

Upset about not being invited to the wedding of Thetis and Peleus.

Made a Golden Apple labeled “for the fairest one.”

Athena, Hera, and AphroditeArgue over appleChoose Paris, prince of Troy to make decision.Each goddess offered a bribe.

Athena – wisdom; Hera – be a powerful king; and Aphrodite – the most beautiful woman

Trojan WarAphrodite

Offers Paris the most beautiful woman in the world, Helen.Helen is already married to Menelaos, a Greek

king.Paris

Kidnaps Helen, the“face that launched a thousand ships.”

Trojan WarMenelaos – Husband to Helen

Seeks help from Agamemnon, king of Mycenae.War lasts ten years

The Iliad focuses on the last two months of the war.

AchillesSon of Thetis (sea goddess) and Peleus, a

mortal.Dipped into the Styx all except for his heel.

(Achilles Heel) Best warrior for the GreeksSuffers from excessive Pride (hubris) and anger.In war for fame

Greeks (also known as the Acheans)Agamemnon – Leader of Greeks/suffers from

pride and stubbornness. Patroklos – close friend of AchillesOdysseus – most intelligent Greek and

advisor to Achilles.Hera and Athena – favor Greeks

TrojansHector – best Trojan soldier and prince of

TroyKing Priam – king of TroyParis – Hector’s brother and prince of

Troy/kills Achilles.Andromache – Hector’s wife.Aphrodite, Apollo, and Ares – favor

Trojans.Zeus – mostly neutral but appeases gods

involved.

Death of AchillesMany different stories:

Killed by Paris who finds out vulnerable spot from Apollo

Apollo in the disguise of ParisAchilles falls in love with one of Priam’s

daughters and is slain when he shows up for the wedding.

While reading, annotate (use sticky notes): questions, comments, identification of literary elements (particularly

evidence of themes and examples of imagery and other figurative language),

vocabulary words (either words you aren’t that familiar with and/or perfect words you want to add to your writing vocabulary.)

Read from Book 1, Rage of Achilles, p. 364-373

Ln 57 – theme referenceLn 61-65: Achille’ charac.Ln 63-65: Greek Culture

Questions:What are Achilles’ motivations for calling a meeting?

Comments:Agamemnon is so disrespectful – I would rebel!

What values and beliefs of Greek culture have been revealed so far in The Iliad?

Summarizer