what makes a hero?. quick-write & discuss make a list of individuals you consider to be heroes....
TRANSCRIPT
Quick-Write & Discuss Make a list of individuals you consider to
be heroes. These can be specific names of people you do/don’t know personally, people within a profession, etc.
Now, look back at your list. What characteristics do these people share?
Superman Parents died at an early age Adopted Superhuman abilities
Strength Fly X-Ray vision Super hearing Virtually indestructible
Secret identity Uses powers for the good of
humanity
Batman Parents murdered at an
early age Raised by family butler Uses wealth to acquire
superhuman-like abilities Martial arts Technology Bulletproof/Fireproof
costume Secret identity Uses powers to rid Gotham
of evil
Spiderman Parents died at an early age Raised by his aunt and
uncle Superhero powers:
Spider sense Strength Agility Speed
Secret identity Uses powers to rid New
York of evil
YOUR Definition Go forth and find a quotation, song lyrics,
or an image that helps you express/specify your personal definition of “What makes a hero?”
Example: “A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.” ~Christopher Reeve
The GREEKS’ Definition How did the
Greeks, including Homer, define and characterize heroes in their epics?
Characteristics of an Epic Hero
1. The hero of an epic is a human being with characteristics a society admires and often wishes to emulate.
2. He fights for a noble cause: those who cannot defend
themselves (women and children)
the preservation of a society honor and the noble way of
life.
Characteristics of an Epic Hero
3. An epic hero is superhuman. He is braver, stronger, smarter, and cleverer than an ordinary person.
Characteristics of an Epic Hero
Photo courtesy of Victoria_Rata, http://www.arteyfotografia.com.ar/18759/fotos/426560/
Characteristics of an Epic Hero
4.The epic hero often has a mix of divine and mortal blood—and therefore possesses human weakness.
The JourneyKey question: What
experiences and obstacles are unique to those of a hero?
The Greeks believed all epic heroes go on the same “journey.”
Journey of the Epic Hero
1.The epic hero is charged with a quest for something of great value to him or to his people. Photo Courtesy of Eddie van W.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/spiritual_marketplace/2207966935/sizes/z/in/photostream/
Journey of the Epic Hero
2. The hero is tested over and over to prove his worthiness, usually by the gods, and supernatural obstacles and creatures. Photo courtesy of Johann Heinrich Füssli
http://www.artelista.com/ypobra.php?o=3278
Journey of the Epic Hero
3. The hero’s travels take him to the divine world in order to accomplish his quest.
4. The hero’s journey must reach a “low” point where he nearly gives up on his quest or appears defeated…
…but then surmounts his obstacles to fight back and complete his quest.
Journey of the Epic Hero
5. The hero finally regains his rightful place in society—as the king, the father, the military leader, etc.
Journey of the Epic Hero