The Epic Hero

What is an Epic Hero? An epic hero, also known as an archetypal hero, is a symbolic representation of a culture’s collective beliefs. Comparative literature studies have shown that all religions, mythologies, and stories of the world have similar epic heroes and archetypes.

The Nine Characteristics of an Epic Hero Unusual Circumstances of Birth Sometimes in danger or born into royalty

Unusual Circumstances of Birth Luke Skywalker Many heroes are born to royalty, are in danger at birth, or experience some unusual situation at birth that sets them apart from others, and marks their destiny to achieve greatness. Yahoo.com/images. “Illustration of Luke Skywalker” http://images.search.yahoo.com/search/images?_adv_prop=images&&fr=FP-tab-web-t&imgsz=all&imgc=&vf=all&va=star+wars+luke+skywalker&fr=FP-tab-web-t. Retrieved June 3, 2005.

The Nine Characteristics of an Epic Hero Unusual Circumstances of Birth Sometimes in danger or born into royalty Departure from Family or Land Usually lives with others

Hero Leaves his Family The hero must leave their family or land to live with others. The departure is usually to escape danger, or as a result of a mystical force. The time period in which the hero is gone may be long or short, but they must experience a journey. Bilbo Baggins Frodo Baggins Yahoo.com/Images, “Illustrations of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins,” http://images.search.yahoo.com/search/images?_adv_prop=images&&fr=FP-tab-web-t&imgsz=all&imgc=&, Retrieved on June 3, 2005.

The Nine Characteristics of an Epic Hero Unusual Circumstances of Birth Sometimes in danger or born into royalty Departure from Family or Land Usually lives with others Adventure or Quest An Event, often traumatic, leads to a quest

The Adventure Begins A traumatic, coincidental, or even ironic event happens that will lead to the hero’s adventure. Yahoo.com/Images, “Image from Big Fish,” http://rds.yahoo.com/S=96062883/K=Big+Fish%2C+images/v=2/SID=e/l=IVR/SIG=12gga9h2t/EXP=1117907274/*-http%3A//www.killermovies.com/gallery/bigfish/big_fish_08.html. Retrieved on June 3, 2005.

The Nine Characteristics of an Epic Hero Unusual Circumstances of Birth Sometimes in danger or born into royalty Departure from Family or Land Usually lives with others Adventure or Quest An Event, often traumatic, leads to a quest Special Weapon Hero has a special weapon only he can wield

Special Weapon of the Hero Epic heroes always have a special weapon, which is usually something only they can use. Often, in various media adaptations to the epic hero, the weapon is a personality trait that separates the character from others and provides them with the ability to overcome challenging obstacles. Yahoo.com/Images, “Illustration of Odysseus,” /*-http%3A//www.clarkson.edu/~fbailey/ls195/11-4.html. Retrieved on June 3, 2005. Yahoo.com/Images, “Image from Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?” www.reel.com/movie.asp?MID=1311... Retrieved on June 3, 2005.

The Nine Characteristics of an Epic Hero Supernatural Help Hero always has supernatural help

Supernatural Help Merlin Heroes often receive supernatural help from either a god, wizard, witch, or spirit. Yahoo.com/Images, “Illustration of Merlin,” www.house-of-pain.com/artarchiv. Retrieved on June 3, 2005. Rafiki Yahoo.com/Images, “Illustration of Rafiki,” www.sesselpupser.net/Malvorlagen/. Retrieved on June 3, 2005.

The Nine Characteristics of an Epic Hero Supernatural Help Hero always has supernatural help Worthiness of Hero Hero must prove worthy many times during adventure

The Hero Must Prove Himself Beowulf An epic hero must perform heroic tasks to prove that they are above and beyond the common people of their culture. Heroic deeds may include fighting and winning battles, performing miracles, or demonstrating leadership and courage by overcoming tests and enemies. Yahoo.com/Images, “Illustration of Beowulf,” http%3A//www.heorot.dk/beowulf-art.html Retrieved on June 3, 2005.

The Nine Characteristics of an Epic Hero Supernatural Help Hero always has supernatural help Worthiness of Hero Hero must prove worthy many times during adventure The Unhealable Wound and Maturity Hero matures as a result of journey

The Journey and Unhealable Wound A quest is what a hero’s journey is usually referred to. It is some form of adventure with a purpose, which is a descent into a kind of “hell.” This “hell” may be physical, mental, or spiritual, and it represents the moment the hero learns the most about himself. The hero usually matures greatly from this descent, and leaves with eternal scars. The scars are also either physical, mental, or spiritual. Sarah Yahoo.com/Images, “Image of Sarah from Labyrinth ,” www.movieforum.com/.../review.shtml Retrieved on June 3, 2005. Theseus Yahoo.com/Images, “Illustration of Theseus,” www.hellados.ru/img/pic Retrieved on June 3, 2005.

The Nine Characteristics of an Epic Hero Supernatural Help Hero always has supernatural help Worthiness of Hero Hero must prove worthy many times during adventure The Unhealable Wound and Maturity Hero matures as a result of journey Atonement with Father

Atonement with Father Antigone and Ismene burying Polyneices Atonement is to offer payment for a wrongdoing. Heroes must avenge a father, or make up for evil done by their father or fatherland. Yahoo.com/Images, “Image of Sarah from Labyrinth ,” http://faculty.pittstate.edu/~knichols/flaming2b.html Retrieved on June 3, 2005.

The Nine Characteristics of an Epic Hero Supernatural Help Hero always has supernatural help Worthiness of Hero Hero must prove worthy many times during adventure The Unhealable Wound and Maturity Hero matures as a result of journey Atonement with Father Reward for the Hero

Apotheosis of the Hero Charlie After the hero’s quest is complete, they are rewarded in some way. This is called the Apotheosis. Often the reward is spiritual, and is received in the afterlife. Some rewards; however, are physical medals or trophies symbolizing their achievements. Yahoo.com/Images, “Image of Charlie from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory ,” www.roalddahlfans.com/movies/willmoviepic6.php Retrieved on June 3, 2005. James Yahoo.com/Images, “Image of James and the Giant Peach,” www.moviesnapshot.com/1996Revie. Retrieved on June 3, 2005.