Traits of an Epic Hero

The Epic Hero & The Hero Journey​

Open Ended

A hero is . . .

​The definition of "hero" changes over time and in different societies.

Beowulf is a "hero" from sometime around the year 525 and what is now Sweden

​Make a list of 5 people you believe are heros

• Use the lined paper on your desk.

• People can be real or fictional.

• You have 2 minutes to make your list.​

​

An epic poem and an epic hero.

​

Don't let "poem" scare you . . . it's just a story!

​Beowulf

​Characteristics of the Epic & Its Hero:

• The hero (often male) is of noble birth or high position in society and often has great historical or legendary importance.

• The hero's character traits reflect important values of his society.

• The h​ero performs courageous - sometimes even superhuman - actions that reflect the values of his society.

Cross off anyone on your list who doesn't match, or whose "story" doesn't match these first three characteristics!

​Characteristics, Con't:

• ​The actions of the hero can determine the fate of a nation, or at least a group of people.

• The setting where the hero has his adventures is extensive - often it covers more than one nation (or even "world")

• The plot is complicated by supernatural or superhuman beings or events.​

• The hero's journey is often long and dangerous, and takes him through foreign "lands".

Cross off anyone on your list who doesn't match, or whose "story" doesn't match these characteristics!

Poll

How many people do you have left on your Hero List?

• None!

• 1-2

• 3-4

• All of them!

​Characteristics, Con't:

​

• The poet uses formal diction (word choice) and a serious tone.

• Major characters often give long, formal speeches.

• An epic poem reflects timeless values - courage, honor, etc.

• An epic poem contains universal themes - good & evil, life & death, etc.

Open Ended

Besides courage and honor, what are other timeless values?

Open Ended

Besides good & evil and life & death, what are other universal themes?

Open Ended

What questions do you have left, before we begin reading "Beowulf"?