1. THE EPIC HERO ENGLISH 10 DAVIDSON/BRYANT
Name three of the four heroes pictures here.

2. WHAT IS A HERO?
1. In mythology and legend, a man, often of divine ancestry, who is endowed with great courage and strength, celebrated for his bold exploits, and favored by the gods.
2. A person noted for feats of courage or nobility of purpose, especially one who has risked or sacrificed his or her life
3. A person noted for special achievement in a particular field
4. The principal character in a novel, poem, or dramatic presentation.
In ________________________ and legend, a man, often of _________________ _______________, who is endowed with great __________________ and strength, celebrated for his bold ___________, and favored by the _____________.
A person noted for feats of ______________ or nobility of ____________, especially one who has
risked or ________________ his or her life.
A person noted for special achievement in a particular field.
The principal character in a novel, _________, or dramatic presentation.

3. WHAT DO HEROES TEACH US?
The hero’s quest helps us understand our own journey through life.
The hero is a social icon that represents the values important to a society.
The hero’s quest help us understand our ______ _____________ through life.
The epic hero is a __________ ________________ that represents the values important to a
__________________.
Name 2-3 modern day heroes that achieve the above and explain briefly.

4. CHARACTERISTICS OF A HERO
Imposing in stature (physical or social)
Their style is grand, yet simple (humble/humility)
The setting of their story is vast (more than 1 setting/nation)
Super-human courage and strength
Faces supernatural forces
Imposing in stature.
Their style is grand, yet _______________.
The setting of their story is ______________.
Super-human courage and strength.
Faces ______________ forces.

5. THE HERO’S JOURNEY
BIRTH: The hero comes from humble origins or a disadvantaged situation.
INITIATION: The hero discovers that he has a special calling.
__________________: The hero comes from ________________ origins or a disadvantaged situation.
Initiation: The hero discovers that he has a __________ _______________.

6. THE HERO’S JOURNEY
THE QUEST: The hero sets out on a journey which is both physical and spiritual. The hero will face temptation, and have obstacles to overcome and a foe to vanquish. A mentor may help them achieve their goals.
The hero sets out on a journey which is both _____________ and _______________. The hero
will face ______________, and have ___________________to overcome and a __________ to
vanquish.
A mentor may help them achieve their goals.
List any Disney movie you have seen that has “mentors” that have helped the hero. Name the mentor(s) and explain how they aided.

7. THE HERO’S JOURNEY
ROMANCE: The hero will often meet a romantic counterpart that aids or challenges him further.
THE JOURNEY HOME: The hero achieves his goal, then returns home where his exploits are celebrated.
Romance: The hero will often meet a romantic counterpart that _____ or __________ him further.
The Journey Home: The hero achieves his goal, then returns home where his exploits are __________.
(What does the term “exploits” mean? Define in context of slide.)

8. LEARN MORE ABOUT EPIC HEROES
These links will take you to websites where you can learn more about heroes, and get examples of heroes from different time periods:
Source:

9. YOUR TASK
Now that you’ve learned the characteristics of an epic hero, you will use your knowledge to identify how Beowulf fits this category, as well as how future characters we will encounter from our readings fit the bill.
Can you list out any previous characters you have encountered in novels, poems, plays, or films that would fit these characteristics? Do so here.