Elements of an Epic Hero The Wizard of Oz

has superhuman strength, intelligence, and courage Dorothy is unexpectedly brave for a young girl when she visits the Wizard of Oz and when she confronts the Wicked Witch of the West

is charged with a quest or journey Dorothy first has to save Toto from Miss Gulch and then her quest is to return home to Kansas

is tested to prove his or her worthiness Dorothy is tested on the yellow brick road by the Wicked Witch of the West and after she is captured (flying monkeys and soldiers)

contains mythical, magical and/or helpful monsters, animals, and/or humans The Munchkins, Scarecrow, Tin Man, Cowardly Lion, Glenda the Good Witch, the Wizard of Oz, Toto

Munchkinland, the Haunted Forest, the Land of Oz travels to a supernatural world usually barred to humans and risks death for glory Munchkinland, the Haunted Forest, the Land of Oz

reaches a low point and nearly gives up on the quest, feels defeated Dorothy is captured by the Wicked Witch of the West and places her in the hour glass…she almost dies.

possesses human weaknesses and flaws Dorothy is often afraid and she is very stubborn

a resurrection (the possibility of a happy outcome) is possible The Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion rescue Dorothy from the witch’s castle…Dorothy kills the Wicked Witch

returns home and restitution is made Dorothy returns home to her family and learns that chasing dreams over the rainbow is great, but “there is no place like home!” She will keep “home” close in her heart.