Heroes in Literature

And The Quests That Make Them Famous

What is a hero?

Two Types of Heroes• Folktale Hero• An ordinary person,

lowly or abused• No powers; they

are generally very smart, kind, or resourceful.

• Helped by animals or magic

• Their quest is personal

• Mythic Hero• Usually some sort of

remarkable birth• Often half-immortal

(or the equivalent)• superhuman

strength or supernatural powers

• Helped by deities (or equivalent)

• Their quest is cosmic

What makes a hero great?• They undertake a quest of

great importance.• They search for something

of value.

• They risk great loss or pay a terrible cost for indifference

• Their greatness is usually due, in part, to the help they receive.

• They transcend themselves. Their actions usually benefit others…perhaps their family or society.

The Quest

• Joseph Campbell established the quest as an archetype called the monomyth.

• He broke this monomythic quest into three major stages: separation, initiation, and restoration

Separation

• --the point when a hero accepts the quest

• Acceptance sets heroes apart from their community, friends, or society.

• Heroes overcome their fear in order to accept their fate. They realize a greater fear if they fail.

Initiation• The hero may encounter many trials,

tasks, and temptations. He is called to slay monsters and achieve new skills.• During this stage, the

character gains insight or abilities that allow him to continue with his quest

•In this stage, the character achieves greatness.

Return/Restoration

• The character returns from his journey, sometimes in a wondrous or "magical" flight or escape.

• The character becomes a recognized and respected individual in the community.

Return/Restoration

• In this stage, the hero or possibly his entire society receives a “boon,” a reward or a new skill

• The character returns to his status as an ordinary person, but with a greater wisdom enabling him to “live in both worlds.”