Number your paper, 1-6. You have 7 minutes. “tormenter of their days” (331-332) “…sorrow heaped at his door” (58) “Hate had triumphed” (58) “death was my errand and the fate they had earned” (158) “agony hung on king and people alike” (106-107) “hammer-forged blades and boar-headed helmets” (404)

What is your definition of a hero? In your notebook, respond: What is your definition of a hero? What makes someone a hero in your eyes? Provide modern day examples and be prepared to explain.

The Heroic Archetype A pattern that is followed by all or nearly all things of the same kind is called an archetype-Greek word for “model”. (Ex: “femme fatale”/seductress, “guide”, “healer”, “lover”) The hero is a theme in all media-songs, video games, literature, etc. Heroes in all cultures share a pattern that is predictable and recognizable.

Patterns of a “Hero” Unusual Birth-Son or daughter of a king; of royal or noble descent; sometimes an odd or unusual circumstance that is secret or magical; hero may be born into danger or as a fulfillment of a prophecy Departure/Leaves Family-Something compels hero to leave his/her family; journey may be a discovery of true identity or an escape; often someone from afar brings message that precipitates departure

Patterns of a “Hero” Special Weapon-Hero has special weapon that only he/she may use; weapon may have magical powers Journey/Quest-Hero must go on a journey to prove him/herself a true hero; may have to cross “dark side” known as a “threshold”; test can be one large task or series of challenges Supernatural-Hero aided by a magical or supernatural guide/mentor

Patterns of a “Hero” Unhealable Wound/Descent into Hell-Can be physical or emotional, something hero encounters on journey and never recovers from TRAGIC FLAW-Error of a hero that leads to his downfall or sorrow Return-Hero may return to place he/she began with some kind of benefit he/she is bringing back (trophy, potion, weapon, etc)

Patterns of a “Hero” Atonement With/For Father-Make up with father, sometimes for misdeeds done by father Apotheosis (exaltation to a divine level)-Part of the Return, hero crosses over into some type of eternal reward for his/her efforts

On a separate sheet of paper to be collected, respond to the following: 1.) Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “A hero is no braver than an ordinary man, but he is brave five minutes longer.” A.) In what way is this true? B.) Provide a real life example. 2.) Robert Louis Stevenson said, “The world has no room for cowards. We must all be ready somehow to toil, to suffer, to die. And yours is not the less noble because no drum beats before you when you go out into your daily battlefields, and no crowds shout about your coming when you return from your daily victory or defeat. “ A.) How is this similar to Emerson’s idea?

“World’s Greatest” -R. Kelly To be turned in on a separate sheet: Read the lyrics. Identify and explain at least two examples of heroic qualities. For example, “I am am mountain”-what does this mean? Which pattern of a hero does this best represent? Tell how. While watching the video, answer the following: A.) What is this video’s definition of a hero? How do you know? What images do you see that exemplify this definition? B.) What images/ “modern day examples” are missing?

HOMEWORK Look up OR write your own text (song, poem, book, blog post, etc) and highlight at least three types of figurative language. After identifying each type, tell what type it is and how it is effective (How does this add to the meaning of the text?). For example, we looked at and explained metaphors, personification and imagery in song lyrics and explained how each gave the lyrics power. DUE TOMORROW!

Characteristics of an Epic An epic is a long poem, typically passed down from oral tradition, narrating the deeds and adventures of a hero over an extended period of time Just as heroes follow a pattern of characteristics, so does an epic.