The Epic and The Epic Hero Cycle (As it will relate to Homer’s epic The Odyssey)

The Epic  What is it?  Long story told in verse or poetry.  Originally told orally.  Tells about the life or works of a heroic or mythological person.  Examples: Iliad, Odyssey, Beowulf

The Epic  Express a culture’s love for a hero.  Heroes defend society against threats of evil or natural phenomena.  Hero’s adventures told in episodes (or chapters).  Use elevated language: formal speeches and extended metaphors and similes.

The Epic Hero Cycle and The Odyssey  What are we learning?  The epic hero cycle. –Which is exhibited in Homer’s epic about  It is an archetype.  Ahhh, what?  An archetype is universally understood.  It can be a symbol, term, or pattern of behavior.  It is seen first in stories or myths (often across cultures), and then retold again and again over time

The Epic Hero Cycle and The Odyssey  Why are we learning it?  Even though the hero, Odysseus, will never be your next door neighbor, you know lots of people that can relate to him.  In modern movies, the hero is typically an ordinary person in an extraordinary situation. The odds are stacked against them, yet they are still able to prevail.  In some movies (especially action), the hero may exhibit superhuman strength of endurance (for example) that makes them invincible.  Can you think of anyone?  All of our lives are a journey. We overcome obstacles, meet allies and enemies, fight for what we believe in, have a goal in mind, and so on. These trials and tribulations improve our character and morale, and help us to better understand ourselves, and who we want to be.

The Epic Hero 1. Birth- 2. Abilities- 3. Has a fatal flaw- 1. Call to Adventure 2. Refusal of the Call 4. Mythical Beings 6. Confrontation with Evil 7. Low Point 8. Resurrection 9. Destiny Ordinary World Supernatural World

The Hero 1. Birth-  Birth is unknown  Hero often lost, abandoned, or adopted 2. Abilities-  Has extraordinary powers (personal qualities or weapons)  Powers revealed by supernatural means or through crisis. 3. Has a fatal flaw-  Physical or psychological weaknesses.

Call to Adventure  The hero starts off in a mundane, normal situation which is disrupted when he receives information- a challenge or request.  Harry Potter: Harry first notices he has extraordinary powers when he converses with a boa at the zoo.  Star Wars: Leia’s holographic plea is received.

Refusal of the Call  The hero initially hesitates to answer the call as they are reluctant to leave the comforts of their everyday existence.  Harry Potter: Vernon Dursley keeps Harry from receiving letters from Hogwarts. Thus, he is unable to answer the call.  Star Wars: Luke’s Uncle Owen reminds him of his responsibilities at home.

The Hero is Tested  Hero tested and emerges a champion.  Often to prove the worthiness of himself and his quest.  Harry Potter: Harry and his friends investigate a break-in at Gringotts Bank. They gain knowledge of clues, spells, and “devices.”  Lord of the Rings: Frodo has to escape the Dark Riders.

Mythical Beings (Supernatural Aid)  Help is given to the hero to make him wiser and stronger- magical and helpful animals, human helpers, and companions.  In Star Wars, Luke receives the light saber, plus guidance and training from Obi-Wan Kenobi.  Harry Potter gets a magic wand from Diagon Alley. He is supported by Hagrid and Professor Dumbledore.

Enter Supernatural World  The hero’s travels take him here, someplace that often normal humans are barred from entering.  Harry Potter: Heading to Hogwarts from Platform 9¾.  Lord of the Rings: Frodo leaves the Shire, and enters a world unknown to him.

Confrontation with Evil  Fights destructive forces, either humans, gods, or natural phenomena.  Star Wars: the Millennium Falcon is drawn into the Death Star by a tractor beam.  Harry Potter: the three friends drop though the trapdoor guarded by Fluffy and land in the Devil’s Snare. Only those who can relax and not let the despair overcome them can be freed from the trap.

Low Point  The Hero reaches a point where he nearly gives up of is defeated.  Harry Potter: Hermione helps Harry solve the potion problem and navigate the doorway of fire – but there isn't enough for both of them to continue forward. Harry must go on alone.

Resurrection  The hero finds the strength to overcome his challenges and defeat his adversaries  Star Wars: Luke finally trusts in the force, manages to drop the bomb in the right place and so destroys the Death Star.  Harry Potter: Harry is victorious in crushing Voldemort’s immediate plans to return to power by turning him to dust.

Destiny  Becomes a savior to humanity or a representative of the heroic ideal.  Often wins a maiden, a war, or a kingdom  Harry Potter: Harry is recognized as a great wizard.  Star Wars: Luke becomes a Jedi Knight.