9th Activities 5.01 and 5.02

The Hero’s Journey & Epic Poetry

By Donna Kapa

Word Cloud

Do Heroes Exist?

Think about the word "hero." What does it mean?

What qualities make someone a hero?

Answer in 1-2 words.

​What is an Epic Poem?

Epic poetry is a long narrative poem that tells the story of heroic deeds and events significant to a culture or society.

​Legendary Epic Poems

The Epic of Gilgamesh
(Ancient Mesopotamia-2500 BCE)

The Odyssey
(Ancient Greece-8th century BCE)

Beowulf
(Medieval Europe-750 CE)

​Historical Context

Epic poems were initially passed down orally, with some ranging from 12,000 to 200,000 lines.

These poems have roots in ancient civilizations in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East

Multiple Choice

Epic poems were initially passed down in what manner?

• In writing

• Through plays

• Orally

• Through paintings

A formal structure: Follows a strict structure with defined rules for meter and rhyme.

A universal theme: Deals with grand, important topics understood universally, such as creation, good vs. evil, or founding a nation.

Elevated language: Uses formal language with lofty descriptions and elaborate figures of speech.

A heroic protagonist: Often larger-than-life and embodies the values of their culture.

A broad setting: Spans multiple locations and/or time periods, narrating the hero's journey.

Mythology and legends: Incorporates gods, beliefs, traditions, and cultural customs.

Characteristics of Epic Poetry

Dropdown

Epic or Not Epic?

Scenario 1: The Lost Warrior

"A noble warrior, blessed by the gods, embarks on a perilous journey across distant lands, facing mythical beasts and trials that test his strength and courage. With each battle, he proves himself worthy of his kingdom's throne."

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Dropdown

Epic or Not Epic?

Scenario 4: The Lost Homework

"Jake forgets his English homework at home and must convince his teacher to let him turn it in late. He pleads his case with a well-thought-out argument and, after much debate, his teacher agrees."

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Dropdown

Epic or Not Epic?

Scenario 2: The Farmer’s Market Mishap

"Julia wakes up late for work, rushes to the market, and accidentally drops her basket of apples. She sighs, picks them up, and continues her day, reflecting on the importance of time management."

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Dropdown

Epic or Not Epic?

Scenario 3: The Storm of the Century

"A young sailor is caught in a monstrous storm that threatens to swallow his entire fleet. Desperate, he calls upon the Sea God for mercy, offering a sacred pearl as tribute. The god accepts, calming the waves, and the sailor reaches shore with newfound wisdom."

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Common Themes in Epic Poetry

• Good versus evil

• The search for meaning and purpose in life

• The importance of honor, loyalty, and bravery

• The consequences of pride and anger

• The journey of self-discovery and growth

Multiple Choice

“Achilles, the mightiest Greek warrior, is furious after Agamemnon dishonors him by taking his war prize. Achilles refuses to fight, which leads to disastrous consequences for the Greeks.”

Which theme is best represented in this passage?

• Consequences of Anger

• The power of Loyalty

• The meaning of Bravery

• The value of Honor

Characteristics of Epic Heroes

An epic hero is a larger-than-life figure, often the main character in an epic, characterized by courage, strength, and nobility

Qualities of Epic Heroes:

Bravery, fearlessness, and selflessness

Embark on a quest or mission

Face a series of challenges and obstacles

Characteristics of Epic Heroes

Famous Epic Heroes:
Gilgamesh

Achilles

Odysseus

Aeneas

Beowulf

Annotation focus: Heroic Protagonist, Mythology and Divine Influence, Bravery and Strength, Epic Language
"Gilgamesh, the tall, magnificent, and fearless king of Uruk, stood before the monstrous Humbaba, guardian of the Cedar Forest. His heart did not waver, though the beast's breath was fire and his roar shook the heavens. With the mighty axe gifted by the gods, Gilgamesh called upon Shamash, the sun god, for strength. 'Grant me victory over this terror, that my name may be sung for eternity!' With his friend Enkidu beside him, he charged forward, striking with the force of a tempest, proving his valor and might."

The Hero's Journey

The Hero's Journey: A common narrative archetype or pattern that involves a hero who goes on an adventure, faces a crisis, and returns transformed.

The Hero's Journey

An archetype is a pattern, model, or idea that appears over and over in different stories, myths, and cultures.
It is like a blueprint for certain types of characters, plots, or themes that are common to certain genres.

Multiple Choice

"The Call to Adventure" – Which moment best represents this step in Star Wars: A New Hope?

• Luke Skywalker refuses to leave home.

• Obi-Wan Kenobi offers Luke a lightsaber.

• Han Solo and Chewbacca argue with Luke.

• Luke destroys the Death Star.

Multiple Choice

"Meeting the Mentor" – In Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (1980), which scene best represents this step?

• Luke trains with Yoda to become a Jedi.

• Han Solo battles Dzarth Vader with Luke.

• Obi-Wan Kenobi brainwashes his enemies.

• Luke befriends R2

Multiple Choice

"The Ordeal" – In Star Wars: Star Wars: A New Hope (1977), which moment represents this step?

• Luke first meets Han Solo.

• Luke and Han rescue Princess Leia.

• Luke witnesses Obi-Wan Kenobi’s death.

• Luke learns his father was friends with Obi-Wan.

Open Ended

Do Heroes Exist?

Think about the word "hero." What does it mean?

Do you think heroes exist in real life? Why or why not?

What qualities make someone a hero?

List 3-5 qualities you believe every hero should have