1. What is a HERO?

2. The Epic  Also called an heroic poem  Long narrative poem  Reflects values of its society  Tells of the deeds of a larger-than-life hero

3. Characteristics of an Epic  The hero is a great leader strongly identified with a particular people or society. Batman – Gotham City Superman – Metropolis Spiderman – New York City

4. Characteristics of an Epic  He has superior physical strength and is supremely ethical. Batman will never kill anyone Superman can withstand anything except Kryptonite

5. Characteristics of an Epic  The hero does great deeds in battle or undertakes an extraordinary journey. Travel to find villains Defeat evil

6. Characteristics of an Epic  At the end of his quest, the hero is glorified by the people he has saved. Police Commissioner commends Batman Superman makes The Daily Planet Spiderman has his picture in The Daily Bugle

7. Characteristics of an Epic  The setting is broad and often includes the upper and lower worlds. Gotham City is always dark, misty Superman goes to the earth’s core or atmosphere Spiderman deals with creeps in alleys

8. Characteristics of an Epic  Sometimes the gods or other supernatural or fantastic beings take part in the action. Green Goblin Lex Luther Joker

9. Characteristics of an Epic  The story is told in heightened language. The heroes and villains speak in unusual word order when they speak to each other They give long dramatic speeches about their own actions or the actions of another

10. Characteristics of an Epic  The hero is a great leader strongly identified with a particular people or society.  He has superior physical strength and is supremely ethical.  The hero does great deeds in battle or undertakes an extraordinary journey.  At the end of his quest, the hero is glorified by the people he has saved.  The setting is broad and often includes the upper and lower worlds.  Sometimes the gods or other supernatural or fantastic beings take part in the action.  The story is told in heightened language.