Hero’s Journey Aka the MONOMYTH Story Archetype

Remember the Archetypes! Call to Action Intro to Protagonist's world Crossing the Threshold

Remember the Archetypes! Meeting the Mentor 2. First Challenge 4. Dark Moment 3. Temptation

Remember the Archetypes! 5. Final Conflict 6. Return Home

ORAL TRADITION: REVIEW What is oral tradition? What is a myth? What is a folktale? Why are these things important to a culture?

ORAL TRADITION: REVIEW Oral Tradition: cultural material and tradition passed on to other members of the culture in SPOKEN words passed from one generation to the other. Myth: traditional or legendary story explaining some practice, rite, or natural phenomenon (such as the creating of the earth). Folktales: a story without a known author that has been preserved through spoken words from one generation to the other.

Sanskrit is an example of syncretism. LANGUAGE: SANSKRIT Sanskrit is the main sacred language of Hinduism. Also, it is an important language for people of the Buddhism, Sikhism, and Jainism religions. Sanskrit is an example of syncretism. Sanskrit originated as Vedic Sanskrit around 600 BCE, and has roots in Iranian, Persian, and Aryan languages.

Sanskrit, Nazis, and Cinderella have in common? What do Sanskrit, Nazis, and Cinderella have in common?

Sanskrit, Nazis, and Cinderella have in common? What do Sanskrit, Nazis, and Cinderella have in common? Linguistics! ~*~**~*~*~*~*~***~*~*~

THE INDO-EUROPEANS Linguistic similarities between European languages and Sanskrit:

Rig Veda and Paradox

Paradox Paradox: a statement that initially seems contradictory but actually contains a hidden truth. Ex. You can save money by spending it. “What a pity that youth must be wasted on the young” George Bernard Shaw

Paradox Paradox: a statement that initially seems contradictory but actually contains a hidden truth. What paradoxes did you notice in the text? Why would a creation myth contain such paradoxes?

ORAL TRADITION: NEW TERM Epic Poetry: long story in the form of a poem concerning a serious subject containing details of heroic deeds and events significant to a culture or nation. Ancient Epic Poetry was passed down through oral tradition until someone wrote it down.

EPIC POETRY EXAMPLES Epic of Gilgamesh–from Mesopotamia Mahābhārata–India Ramayana–India Iliad–Greek mythology (Homer) Odyssey–Greek mythology (Homer) Beowulf–Old English

EPIC POETRY Features an epic hero (who embodies the traits and characteristics valued by a specific culture: usually male) The setting is vast–often moving from earth, to underworld, to the heavens Plot complicated by the supernatural and usually dangerous The tone is serious Expresses universal themes and values such as good and evil and honor and courage.

EPIC POETRY: Technique Epithets: Words or short phrases that highlight key qualities of characters or objects. EX. Ivan the Terrible, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson Repetition: Often, words, phrases, and grammatical structures are repeated for the purpose of memorization and summary.

Review: EPIC HEROES Review the characteristics of an epic hero in your table groups. Use Pg. 121 for help! What hero (from any culture or any text) is the most epic of all time?

Review: EPIC HEROES Noble birth (semidivine) Capable of great strength/courage (larger than life) Great warrior Travels over a vast setting Faces supernatural foes / receives supernatural aide Is a representation of the values of a specific culture Displays humility

MAHABHARATA

THE MAHABHARATA …To a man of fame, dishonor is worse than death. -Krishna This is an epic that reflects the struggles that took place in India as the Aryans moved south. There are chariots and battles. There is evidence of cultural blending: Aryan gods mix with local gods.

THE MAHABHARATA: Arjuna the Mighty Archer Read the excerpt on pages 124-125. As you read, characterize Arjuna vs. the other students Make sure you read the notes below the text; Arjuna will go by different names Why does Drona deem Arjuna the best of his students through the task of the bird as well as the crocodile?

THE MAHABHARATA: Arjuna the Mighty Archer Why is Arjuna regarded as a hero? What traits were admired in Ancient India? What lesson is contained in the text? Come up with a theme statement.

THE BHAGAVAD-GITA What is your duty as a student? As a son/daughter? Is it possible for a person to perform their role in society without concern for others?

THE BHAGAVAD-GITA: Invitation to World Literature