Heroes through History From Hercules to He-MAn

Heroes Fight for honor, and never hit an opponent while they’re down. Always fights for good, and his intentions are pure. He is incorruptible, and will always win (or if he loses, there will be a rematch later)

Anti-Heroes An anti-hero lives in a more cynical world. The character is typically flawed and lives by an ambiguous moral code. Often has the potential for heroism, but doesn’t always choose the high road.

Greek heroes (Epic heroes) Greek heroes were often larger- than-life, having assistance from the gods to complete their impossible tasks Motivated by honor and glory The greatest achievement was being added to legend Theseus, Odysseus, Achilles, Jason

Theseus - hero of Athens; saved the people from having sacrifice their children to the Minotaur. Odysseus – slayed monsters and eventually came home to restore order to Ithaca Achilles – Best warrior in the Trojan war. Fought bravely against the Greeks Jason – Sent to capture a magical golden fleece to reclaim his rightful throne. (Jason and the Argonauts)

Greek Anti-Heroes Also called a tragic hero Usually of noble birth Has some tragic flaw that leads to his downfall His actions result in increased self- awareness and self-knowledge The audience pities him and his fate Oedipus, Antigone, Heracles

Oedipus – at his birth, it was prophesied that the baby would kill his father (King Laius) and marry his mother (Jocasta). In an effort to stop this from happening, he tried to kill the baby. His mother rescued him and he was raised by shepherds. Later, in a chariot accident, he killed the king (not knowing who he was) and thus, was given the kingdom, including the queen. And so, Oedipus killed his father and married his mother. Antigone – the daughter of Oedipus and Jocasta. Her two brothers, co-heirs to the abandoned throne, fought until one of them died. Antigone tried to bury him with honor, after a brief exchange with he cheating fiancé, she hangs herself.

Heracles – both a hero and anti-hero, he must fight for his rightful place. Hera hated him, as he was the son of Zeus and a mistress, so she drove him insane enough to murder his own children. In order to make reparations, Heracles had to perform the Twelve Labors. Slay the Nimean Lion, Nine headed Hydra, and the Stymphalian birds Capture the Golden Hind of Artemis, the Eymanthian Boar, and the Cretan Bull Clean the Augean stables in one day Steal the Mares of Diomedes and apples of Hesperides Obtain the Girdle of Hippolyta and the cattle of Geryon Capture and bring back Cerberus

Heroes in literature After the Greek plays, heroes transformed and morphed over time. Notable heroes are Beowulf, King Arthur Beowulf – became king by killing monsters, then in his old age, killed one last beast to protect his people. Died in glory. King Arthur – a just and honest king. Restored order to Briton.

Anti-heroes in literature Shakespeare loved the anti-hero. Examples include Julius Caesar, Othello Julius Caesar was the Roman emperor, who became overly ambitious. His advisors and closest friends murdered him to keep him from becoming king. Othello fell in love with a beautiful woman, but allowed a greedy advisor to convince him she was cheating. In his rage, he killed her, then killed himself.

Heroes today Modern examples of heroes include: Indiana Jones, Superman, Captain America, Katniss Everdeen, Harry Potter Though todays heroes are typically multi-dimensional, at their roots they are committed to justice and goodness.

The everyman serves to show the audience something about themselves. In recent literary history, a new hero emerged: The everyman. This character has nothing special about him, and must rise to the occasion. (think: Lego Movie or Kung-Fu Panda) The everyman serves to show the audience something about themselves.   

The anti-hero has certainly become popular in recent years The anti-hero has certainly become popular in recent years. Think: Hancock, Batman, Iron-man, Shrek In many cases, the anti-hero can become a hero. In some cases they do not. (Punisher, Gollum,  anyone who has a choice to be good but doesn’t)