1. Journal Activity Look at the following images.
1)What do they all have in common?
2) Identify as many of them as you can.

9. The Epic Hero
The Epic Hero is a LARGER THAN LIFE PERSON who embodies the highest ideals of his or her culture.
Example: In the Hunger Games, Katniss embodies LOYALTY, COURAGE, SENSE OF JUSTICE, DIGNITY, PERSISTENCE, and many other traits of her society and culture.

10. Epic Hero Characteristics
The Epic Hero typically undertakes a QUEST or a JOURNEY to achieve something of great value to themselves and society

11. Epic Hero Characteristics
The Epic Hero typically “lives on” after death meaning they are forever remembered by those who live after them.
IMMORTALITY – meaning their legacy never truly dies.

12. Epic Hero Characteristics
NOT like SUPERMAN with “magical powers”, but a regular human being (sometimes part god/human) whose goals and accomplishments set them apart.

13. Epic Hero Characteristics
Overcomes great obstacles and opponents but maintains humanity
Experiences typical human emotions and feelings yet is able to control them better than the average person

14. The Epic Poem Definition:
An epic is a long narrative poem that relates the great deeds of a larger-than-life hero who embodies the values of a particular society.
What are some of the values that Americans value?

15. Epic Poems often….
Concern eternal human problems such as the conflict between GOOD and EVIL Written or told on a grand scale and often in ceremonial style

16. TWO Types of Epics
1. Folk Epic- oral compositions passed on from storyteller to storyteller and has changed over time.
Ex. The Odyssey
2. Literary Epic- written compositions that are unchanged over time.
Harry Potter, The Hunger Games

17. 5 Characteristics of an Epic
The hero is a great leader who is identified strongly with a particular people or society.

18. 5 Characteristics of an Epic
The setting is broad and often includes supernatural realms, especially the land of the dead.

19. 5 Characteristics of an Epic
The hero does great deeds in battle or undertakes an extraordinary journey or quest.

20. Characteristics of an Epic
Sometimes gods or other supernatural or fantastic beings take part in the action.

21. Characteristics of an Epic
The story is told in heightened language
On a GRAND scale
Figurative Language
Formal speeches by the hero or other characters
Often begins in media res (Latin for “in the middle of things”), then flashes back to explain action leading up to that point
Contain elements of myth, folktale, history, and legend