Defining Heroes
What is a hero?
• On your piece of paper, write a minimum of
one page discussing what makes a hero. What
qualities should they possess? What are some
examples of heroes that you can come up
with? Who are your personal heroes?
Analyzing Song Lyrics
• What do the following songs’ lyrics say about
heroes? What makes a hero to them?
“Hero” – Enrique Iglesias
•
Would you dance, if I asked you to dance?
Would you run, and never look back?
Would you cry, if you saw me crying?
And would you save my soul, tonight?
Would you tremble, if I touched your lips?
Would you laugh? Oh please tell me this
Now would you die, for the one you love?
Hold me in your arms, tonight
I can be your hero, baby
I can kiss away the pain
I will stand by you forever
You can take my breath away
Would you swear, that you'll always be mine?
Or would you lie? Would you run and hide?
Am I in too deep? Have I lost my mind?
I don't care you're here, tonight
I can be your hero, baby
I can kiss away the pain
I will stand by you forever
You can take my breath away
•
Listen to it!
“Hero” – Mariah Carey
•
There's a hero
If you look inside your heart
You don't have to be afraid
Of what you are
There's an answer
If you reach into your soul
And the sorrow that you know
Will melt away
And then a hero comes along
With the strength to carry on
And you cast your fears aside
And you know you can survive
So when you feel like hope is gone
Look inside you and be strong
And you'll finally see the truth
That a hero lies in you
•
Listen to it!
“Holding out for a Hero” – Bonnie Tyler
Where have all the good men gone
And where are all the gods?
Where's the street-wise Hercules
To fight the rising odds?
Isn't there a white knight upon a fiery steed?
Late at night I toss and turn and dream
of what I need
I need a hero
I'm holding out for a hero 'til the end of the night
He's gotta be strong
And he's gotta be fast
And he's gotta be fresh from the fight
I need a hero
I'm holding out for a hero 'til the morning light
He's gotta be sure
And it's gotta be soon
And he's gotta be larger than life
Listen to it!
“My Hero” – Foo Fighters
don't the best of them bleed it out
while the rest of them peter out
truth or consequence, say it aloud
use that evidence race it around
there goes my hero
watch him as he goes
there goes my hero
he's ordinary
kudos my hero
leaving all the best
you know my hero
the one that's on
there goes my hero
watch him as he goes
there goes my hero
he's ordinary
Listen to it!
Dictionary Definition of a Hero/Heroine
1. In mythology and legend, a man, often of divine ancestry,
who is endowed with great courage and strength,
celebrated for his bold exploits, and favored by the gods.
2. A person noted for feats of courage or nobility of purpose,
especially one who has risked or sacrificed his or her life:
soldiers and nurses who were heroes in an unpopular war.
3. A person noted for special achievement in a particular field:
the heroes of medicine. See Synonyms at celebrity.
4. The principal male character in a novel, poem, or dramatic
presentation.
Myth, Folklore, Legends
Myth
• A myth is a traditional story, which may describe the origins of the world and/or of
a people. A myth is an attempt to explain mysteries, supernatural events, and
cultural traditions. Sometimes sacred in nature, a myth can involve gods or other
creatures.
Folklore/Folktale
• Whereas myth has at its core the origins of a people, and is often sacred, folklore
is a collection of fictional tales about people and/or animals. Folktales describe
how the main character copes with the events of everyday life, and the tale may
involve crisis or conflict. Superstitions and unfounded beliefs are important
elements in the folklore tradition.
Legend
• A legend is a story purported to be historical in nature, but without substantiation.
Evidence of the existence of actual historical figures exists.
• Legend also refers to anything that inspires a body of stories, or anything of lasting
importance or fame. The story is handed down from earlier times, but will
continue to evolve with time.
Myth
• A myth is a traditional story, which may
describe the origins of the world and/or of a
people. A myth is an attempt to explain
mysteries, supernatural events, and cultural
traditions. Sometimes sacred in nature, a
myth can involve gods or other creatures.
• What mythological heroes can you think of?
Mythological Heroes
Folk Heroes
• Folklore is a collection of fictional tales about
people and/or animals. Folktales describe how
the main character copes with the events of
everyday life, and the tale may involve crisis or
conflict. Superstitions and unfounded beliefs
are important elements in the folklore
tradition.
• What heroes from folk tales can you think of?
Famous Folk Tale Heroes
Legends
• A legend is a story purported to be historical in
nature, but without substantiation. Where
evidence of the existence of actual historical
figures exists.
• Legend also refers to anything that inspires a
body of stories, or anything of lasting importance
or fame. The story is handed down from earlier
times, but will continue to evolve with time.
• What legendary heroes can you think of?
Famous Legendary Heroes
Making Inferences
• Based on what we’ve discussed this hour,
what can you infer about the title character in
our next featured story, Beowulf?
• What kind of person do you think he’ll be?
• What will be involved in the plot?