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

2. 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)

3. 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

4. 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

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

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

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

8. 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

9. Greek myth of Theseus

10. Art work depicting Theseus and the Minotaur…

11. 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.

12. Mt. Sunion

13. Mt. Sunion

14. Mt. Sunion

15. Gulf Coast Kids in Delphi