1. Epic Heroes What it takes to have an epic story written about your life

2. Beautiful Male Odysseus was loved by Calypso and Circe due to his beauty. Gilgamesh was an infamous lover.

3. Superhuman Traits Strength –Gilgamesh defeats Humbaba. –Odysseus survives a shipwreck. Wit –Odysseus outsmarts the Cyclops. Talent –Gilgamesh rules Uruk. –Odysseus rules Ithaca.

4. Divine or Royal Birth Odysseus—Prince of Ithaca Gilgamesh—son of goddess and king

5. Trained Warrior Odysseus—celebrated Greek warrior Gilgamesh—trained military leader

6. Desires of Ordinary Men Odysseus—wants to return to his homeland; has extramarital relationships; is arrogant and prideful Gilgamesh—wants to gain immortality

7. Possesses Traits Admired by his Culture Strength Intelligence Loyalty Courage Faith

8. Follows Heroic Code of Honor Each culture has its own code of honor by which the hero lives. Codes are based on the traits admired by the culture or on the traits necessary to survive in the culture or time period.

9. Ancient Greek Heroic Code of Honor Respect the guest-host relationship Respect the rite of burial Fight for honor Immortalize self through valorous deed