1. The Hero and the Quest Tales of the hero and the heroic quest occur in nearly every world culture.

2. What is a mythic hero?  Simply put, he or she is the hero in a myth

3. Mythic hero characteristics  #1 Usually the hero has a remarkable birth or childhood.

4. Mythic hero characteristics  #2 He or she is often the offspring of a god and a human being and possesses qualities of both immortals and mortals.

5. Mythic hero characteristics  #3 Heroes are born under remarkable circumstances.

6. Mythic hero characteristics  #4 Sometimes they are unaware of their origins and are raised by foster parents.

7. Mythic hero characteristics  #5 The hero shows early signs of being special, possessing either superhuman strength or supernatural powers.

8. What is a folktale hero?  Again, simply put, it is the hero of a folktale.

9. Characteristics of a Folktale Hero  #1 A folktale hero is often a very ordinary person.

10. Folktale hero characteristics  #2 Usually a step child or a neglected youngest child who is scoffed at by parents or older brothers and sisters

11. Folktale hero characteristics  #3 Folktale heroes lack any superhuman qualities but might be out of the ordinary in other ways such as being exceptionally kind, clever or resourceful.

12. What is a quest?  A quest is a journey taken in search of a person or object of great value.

13. Mythic heroes are usually aided by  1. loyal friends  2. gods and goddesses

14. Folktale heroes are aided by:  People, animals or magical beings who are repaying them for good deeds done earlier

15.  PART I: SEPARATION

16. Characteristics of a quest  #1 The hero receives THE CALL but may be tempted to leave the “true path” – usually for a woman or an easier lifestyle.

17. Characteristics of a Quest  #2 Sometimes the character has a tragic flaw (hamartia) that causes him/her to falter on the quest, like pride (hubris) or impatience.

18. Characteristic of a Quest  PART II: THE INITIATION  #3 The quest may involve a decent into the underworld or another dark and frightening place.

19. Characteristic of a Quest  #4 Sometimes heroes give up the greatest sacrifice of all, his or her own life for others.

20. Characteristic of a Quest  PART III: THE RETURN  #5 Often heroes return with something new to share such as knowledge, renewed commitment, or greater compassion and wisdom.

21. Characteristic of a Quest  #6 The hero may be rewarded by entering into a royal marriage or living “happily ever after”

22. Question Time????  As a class, provide some examples of Heroes and Quests. –Hercules, Theseus, King Arthur, Spiderman, Perseus, Shrek 1,2,3, Superman, Aladdin, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Xmen, Princess and the Bride, Mulan, Lion King, Buddy-Elf, The Patriot, Dorothy

23. Here are some ideas