1. The Epic Hero

2. Epic An extended narrative poem that recounts actions, travels, adventures, etc. Main character is a larger-than-life hero Hero faces difficult battles and reveals his/her strength The Gods & fate play a role in the hero’s experience

3. Epic Hero The journey for the mythical hero is a “rite of passage” that transforms a person from one level to a more mature level of understanding. This journey, or “odyssey”, occurs not just physically (traveling from place to place), but emotionally-(hero has a spiritual awakening)

4. The Hero Cycle All “mythic heroes” follow a path of stages Stages: 1. Separation-Departure 2. Entrance-passage 3. Breakthrough Experience 4. The Hero’s Return During each stage, the hero learns an important lesson

5. Separation-Departure Hero is removed from his “everyday world” This happens by a “call to adventure”; (hero may be reluctant, or have no choice, but is willing to go) This separation took them away from their “known world”

6. Entrance-Passage Hero undergoes some ordeal to survive in “world of adventure” Hero goes from the familiar to the unknown Hero must go through trials and tests (often violent encounters with enemies or forces of nature) Hero’s ability advances as a result

7. Breakthrough Experience Final adventure or critical moment in the journey This battle transforms the hero

8. The Hero’s Return The hero must “cross the threshold”, returning to the “world” he once knew The hero returns with a new awakening, rebirth, or resurrection. The hero has learned a great lesson and shares this knew knowledge with society.

9. HW: Map out a fictional hero’s journey Hero:___________________ 1. Separation/Departure 2. Entrance/Passage 3. Breakthrough Experience 4. Hero’s Return

10. Epic Rules Epic starts with a statement of the theme Invocation to a “muse” (inspiration) Starts in “medias res” (in the middle of action) Makes “allusions” to historical names, mythic gods, battles/wars, places, etc.

11. Epic Rules Includes epic similes (extended comparisons) Long formal speeches by main characters Use of patronymics (calling son by father’s name) Journey to the underworld

12. Homer- Author of Odyssey Not that Homer!  Was a blind man from Greece living around 700 BC Greatest poet of ancient times Recited his works orally

13. Odyssey Part 1: Greek General Odysseus is trying to return home to Ithaca after Trojan War Has been gone for 10 years Homer starts with Invocation to the Muse Muse= goddesses who inspire storytellers

14. Odyssey Background Iliad/Trojan War Background: Part 1 : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBMEYIO IF8k http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBMEYIO IF8k Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkIQT_m WWak http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkIQT_m WWak Part 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5eKLRG UvDc http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5eKLRG UvDc

15. Siren Song: Definition: Something that is very appealing and makes you want to go somewhere or do something but that may have bad results. (Ex- the appeal of fame and fortune) Directions: Pretend you are a “siren” and your mission is to write a persuasive appeal/advertisement enticing someone/ group of people. (You can convince them to do something, to go somewhere, buy a product, etc.) Lure the reader in with your irresistible words and your “siren song”.

16. Literary Goal: You must include and underline the following elements in your writing: Imagery Epic simile Metaphor Alliteration Hyperbole (exaggeration)