What is a hero? You will be working with a partner for today’s assignments! Read “The Life and Times of Hercules,” a well-known account of a hero and heroic action, and annotate. With your partner, draft a list of characteristics and qualities of a hero that were presented in the story. Now consider your list and create a list of heroes in other areas such as history, religion, pop culture, folktales, art, politics, literature and modern times. Try to have at least 3-4 heroes in EVERY category

With your partner, answer the following questions and write a working definition of HERO. What constitutes a hero? What qualities do certain heroes have that make them exceptional? When have we seen a situation give rise to an unconventional hero or heroine? Do all heroes have something in common about their appearance? What are some of the lessons that heroes can teach us? What differences exist among cultures with regard to their concept of heroes? How can we compose an interesting way to present our definition visually to the class? Create a visual representation/mini-poster to present with your definition.

Background Info/Literary Terms

Homer’s Epics Considered statements of cultural identity Heroes embody the values of Greek culture. Bravery, loyalty, intelligence, honor to the gods, heroism, glory, determination, etc.

More on Homer Homer is said to be the first teller of adventures of all times. He was not the first author because in his day stories were passed down---they were told. He was a blind man whose date of birth is unknown.

Form In Medias Res In the middle of things The epics begin in the middle of the story but flashback to past events. General outline and characters of stories were already known to audience. The Trojan War Invocation (invoking Muses) Muses are goddesses of poetry, art, music, and dance. Invoking the Muse was a poet’s way of asking for inspiration and ideas. The Odyssey, The Iliad, and Paradise Lost (Britain).

Stock Epithets Phrases used to rename characters based on traits Achilles of the swift feet Hector breaker of horses Singer emperor of knowledge

Background of the Iliad Fun Review (song) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CiQ4j-D5o4o

Trojan War Eris – goddess of discord (disagreement) Upset about not being invited to the wedding of Thetis and Peleus. Made a Golden Apple labeled “for the fairest one.” Athena, Hera, and Aphrodite Argue over apple Choose Paris, prince of Troy to make decision. Each goddess offered a bribe. Athena – wisdom; Hera – be a powerful king; and Aphrodite – the most beautiful woman

Trojan War Aphrodite Paris Offers Paris the most beautiful woman in the world, Helen. Helen is already married to Menelaos, a Greek king. Paris Kidnaps Helen, the “face that launched a thousand ships.”

Trojan War Menelaos – Husband to Helen Seeks help from Agamemnon, king of Mycenae. War lasts ten years The Iliad focuses on the last two months of the war.

Achilles Son of Thetis (sea goddess) and Peleus, a mortal. Dipped into the Styx all except for his heel. (Achilles Heel) Best warrior for the Greeks Suffers from excessive Pride (hubris) and anger. In war for fame

Greeks (also known as the Acheans) Agamemnon – Leader of Greeks/suffers from pride and stubbornness. Patroklos – close friend of Achilles Odysseus – most intelligent Greek and advisor to Achilles. Hera and Athena – favor Greeks

Trojans Hector – best Trojan soldier and prince of Troy King Priam – king of Troy Paris – Hector’s brother and prince of Troy/kills Achilles. Andromache – Hector’s wife. Aphrodite, Apollo, and Ares – favor Trojans. Zeus – mostly neutral but appeases gods involved.

Death of Achilles Many different stories: Killed by Paris who finds out vulnerable spot from Apollo Apollo in the disguise of Paris Achilles falls in love with one of Priam’s daughters and is slain when he shows up for the wedding.

Read from Book 1, Rage of Achilles, p. 364-373 While reading, annotate (use sticky notes): questions, comments, identification of literary elements (particularly evidence of themes and examples of imagery and other figurative language), vocabulary words (either words you aren’t that familiar with and/or perfect words you want to add to your writing vocabulary.) Ln 57 – theme reference Ln 61-65: Achille’ charac. Ln 63-65: Greek Culture Questions: What are Achilles’ motivations for calling a meeting? Comments: Agamemnon is so disrespectful – I would rebel!

Summarizer What values and beliefs of Greek culture have been revealed so far in The Iliad?