Epic Hero Notes

Journal Entry: Hero characteristics What makes someone in our society a hero? What characteristics do they possess? Generate a list with at least 10 original characteristics. Read Mythology and You Hero Background on pages 195-196 and list the characteristics of mythological characters. In your journal compare and contrast your lists. Be prepared to share your responses with the class.

Journal Entry: Hero characteristics What makes someone in our society a hero? What characteristics do they possess? Generate a list with at least 10 original characteristics.

Six Elements of the Heroic Pattern Birth Destiny Quest Journey Home Reward Romantic Elements

Birth Enshrouded in the mystery and intrigue of the royal court Divine and/or royal parentage Birth cause of a dynastic struggle for power and hero’s life placed in danger Ruse required to suppress identity and save his life Childhood of the hero is rarely mentioned Child spirited away or brought up in seclusion

Destiny These men were fated to be great. Lives were entwined with the interests of the gods (oracles and prophecy also involved).

The Quest To prove his status as hero and claim the throne, he goes on a quest. Purpose of the quest: save people from plague or tyrant, in some cases material gain is earned Quest task set by the usurper To Greeks a quest meant a challenge to be sought out and a goal to be achieved Hero encounters other difficulties on his way to the object of the quest Reveals his physical prowess His mental capabilities Makes story more exciting and suspenseful A monstrous creature must be overcome

The Journey Home Long, arduous journey home for each hero Purpose: to the Greeks—homeland was a very important part of their life Identified by his lineage in a particular area By his ties to one city state Greece still a tribal society Worst punishment—exile from home

The Reward Hero often becomes king Gained fame and glory Height of power is short-lived Old age of hero was either obscure or lacking glory; old age of hero an embarrassment

Romantic Elements All Greek heroes had encounters with women and are lovers of heroic proportions Also reflect the Greeks attitudes towards females; no women heroes

On a deeper level: Society is changing from matriarchal to patriarchal Hero represents aggressive patriarchal society Violent death represents the imperfect world Monsters (often women) represent the matriarchy and are often defeated