Journal Activity Look at the following images. 1)What do they all have in common? 2) Identify as many of them as you can.

The Epic Hero The Epic Hero is a LARGER THAN LIFE PERSON who embodies the highest ideals of his or her culture. Example: In the Hunger Games, Katniss embodies LOYALTY, COURAGE, SENSE OF JUSTICE, DIGNITY, PERSISTENCE, and many other traits of her society and culture.

Epic Hero Characteristics The Epic Hero typically undertakes a QUEST or a JOURNEY to achieve something of great value to themselves and society

Epic Hero Characteristics The Epic Hero typically “lives on” after death meaning they are forever remembered by those who live after them. IMMORTALITY – meaning their legacy never truly dies.

Epic Hero Characteristics NOT like SUPERMAN with “magical powers”, but a regular human being (sometimes part god/human) whose goals and accomplishments set them apart.

Epic Hero Characteristics Overcomes great obstacles and opponents but maintains humanity Experiences typical human emotions and feelings yet is able to control them better than the average person

The Epic Poem Definition: An epic is a long narrative poem that relates the great deeds of a larger-than-life hero who embodies the values of a particular society. What are some of the values that Americans value?

Epic Poems often…. Concern eternal human problems such as the conflict between GOOD and EVIL Written or told on a grand scale and often in ceremonial style

TWO Types of Epics 1. Folk Epic- oral compositions passed on from storyteller to storyteller and has changed over time. Ex. The Odyssey 2. Literary Epic- written compositions that are unchanged over time. Harry Potter, The Hunger Games

5 Characteristics of an Epic The hero is a great leader who is identified strongly with a particular people or society.

5 Characteristics of an Epic The setting is broad and often includes supernatural realms, especially the land of the dead.

5 Characteristics of an Epic The hero does great deeds in battle or undertakes an extraordinary journey or quest.

Characteristics of an Epic Sometimes gods or other supernatural or fantastic beings take part in the action.

Characteristics of an Epic The story is told in heightened language On a GRAND scale Figurative Language Formal speeches by the hero or other characters Often begins in media res (Latin for “in the middle of things”), then flashes back to explain action leading up to that point Contain elements of myth, folktale, history, and legend