Journal 10/25/2011• What does being a hero mean to

you?

• What makes someone a hero?

• Who do you think is the best example of a hero and why?–6-8 sentences!

Epic.Elements of epic literature…

Elements of Epic-ness

•Epic Hero•Epic Plot•Epic Setting•Archetypes•Epic Themes

Epic hero• Possess super human

strength, craftiness, and confidence

• Either helped or harmed by the gods

• They have ideals/ values that the culture admires

• Manages to stay alive in dangerous situations

Epic Plot• Must involve a LONG journey with

complications:– Strange creature– Divine intervention

• (gods helping or hurting)– Large-scale events– Treacherous weather

Epic Setting• They must go to strange, fantastic

or exotic lands

• They must travel to more than one nation.

Archetypes• Archetypes are characters, situations,

and images that are present in many times and cultures:– Sea monster– Wicked temptress– Buried treasure– Suitors’ contest– Epic hero– Loyal servant

Epic themes• Reflects universal themes:

– Courage

– Fate of a nation

– A homecoming

– Beauty

– Loyalty

– Life and death

Can you…• Think of any epic stories or

heroes?

• As we read The Odyssey (an epic poem) look for elements that make it epic!

Vocab 1 The Odyssey

• Beguiling

• Foreboding

• Meditation

• Travail

• Adversary

• Ponderous

• Profusion

• Ardor

• Abominably

• Appalled

• Harried

• Assuage