Characteristics of an Epic Hero
LITERARY CHARACTERISTICS
•Larger than life
•Vast area he is “responsible for”
•Displays incredible actions of heroism
•Supernatural powers
•Supernatural forces intervene
•The writing about and for the epic hero is
ceremonial
•Long or extended speech from the hero
Characteristics of an Epic Hero
PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS
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Unusual circumstance surrounds the birth
Must take long journey and encounter obstacles
Women threaten completion of the journey/task
One final task must be completed to validate hero status
Once done with the “task” the hero returns home to his
people to be recognized and honored
Definition of an Epic
• An extended narrative poem,
usually simple in construction, but
grand in scope, exalted in style,
and heroic in theme, often giving
expression to the ideals of a nation
or race
Examples of Epic Heroes
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Superman
Spiderman
Luke Skywalker
Batman
Hercules
Simba
Harry Potter
BEOWULF
Others…?