Character Archetype for the Mythic Hero Hero and the Quest Character Archetype for the Mythic Hero

Folktale Hero… Very ordinary person, a step-child, or a neglected youngest child No superhuman abilities, but might be special in other ways (kind, clever, or resourceful)

Mythic Heroes… Usually have a remarkable birth or childhood Often offspring of a god and a human Born under unusual circumstances Shows early signs of being special

A quest is…. A journey taken in search of something of value This could be…. A person Concrete object (treasure, magical charm) Abstract concept (truth, meaning of life) Hero searching for his roots

Both mythic heroes and folktale heroes… Called on to participate in an adventure OR Forced to face a series of challenges or tests

Mythic heroes are helped by… Loyal friends Gods/goddesses **(folktale heroes, on the other hand, are often helped by people, animals, or magical beings)

Hero and the flaw Mythic heroes often have… a character flaw (usually pride) flaw causes them to fail on their quest

Mythic hero quests often involve… …a descent to a dark, frightening place that other humans dare not enter If hero survives, he/she often brings back something to share, such as… new knowledge a renewed attitude greater compassion and wisdom

Greek myth of Theseus

Art work depicting Theseus and the Minotaur…

Website for tales of the Greek heroes…click on picture for link to website, which will take you to a more detailed version of the myth of Theseus.

Mt. Sunion

Mt. Sunion

Mt. Sunion

Gulf Coast Kids in Delphi