1. The Epic, the Epic Hero, and the Tragic Hero

2. The Epic Poem The epic poem is a long, narrative poem that tells about the adventures of a hero who reflects the ideals and values of a nation or race. The epic portrays a past but it is an imaginary past. Homer’s The Odyssey is an example of an epic poem. The epic poem is a long, narrative poem that tells about the adventures of a hero who reflects the ideals and values of a nation or race. The epic portrays a past but it is an imaginary past. Homer’s The Odyssey is an example of an epic poem.

3. The Epic Hero An epic hero is a larger-than-life figure, usually male, who embodies the ideals of a nation or race. He is a cultural symbol, representing an ideal larger than himself. How could Captain America be considered an epic hero? An epic hero is a larger-than-life figure, usually male, who embodies the ideals of a nation or race. He is a cultural symbol, representing an ideal larger than himself. How could Captain America be considered an epic hero?

4. More Epic Heroes

5. The Tragic Hero The tragic hero is also traditionally male. On his epic quest, the tragic hero will invariably make some grave mistake that leads to his downfall. The hero’s tragic flaw typically centers on the act of hubris (pride). The tragic hero is also traditionally male. On his epic quest, the tragic hero will invariably make some grave mistake that leads to his downfall. The hero’s tragic flaw typically centers on the act of hubris (pride). This fatal flaw is often called an achilles heel, a mythological allusion to the Greek hero Achilles.

6. The Heroine of The Odyssey?