Open your notebook to the next blank page
(after the library notes). Respond to the following
question: What qualities make a hero? You can
freewrite, write bullets, do a word map. You
choose.
When you are done draw a line across the page.
Identify someone in your life who
you consider a hero. Who is it?
Why are they a hero? What are
some of the qualities and
characteristics that make them a
hero?
Is the body of myths and
legends belonging to
the ancient Greeks
concerning their gods
and heroes, the nature
of the world, and the
origins and significance
of their own cult and
ritual practices.
Although we now view
these stories as fiction,
the Greeks believed
them to be true.
 Stories that use fantasy to
express ideas about life that
cannot be easily expressed
in realistic terms.
 At heart, they are religious
stories that explore the
relationship between
humans and the spiritual
world.
 They were once believed to
be true.
PURPOSE OF MYTHS
1. Scientific- explain
nature
2. Literary-entertain
3. Religious-give
meaning to things
in life
WHY DO WE STUDY MYTHS?
 They depict and reveal problems and
behaviors common to all humans
 Remind us that human nature is the
same across time and culture
 Reveal that many social, ethical, and
religious attitudes continue through time
 Reflect attitudes, priorities, and values of
the cultures in which they were
produced
EPIC POETRY
Epic = Drama + Narrative
• They switch around from scene to
scene and there is dialogue, like a
play.
• Action centers on the epic hero
• Purpose is to entertain, to teach,
and to inspire with examples of how
people can succeed against great
odds.
EPIC POETRY
5 Characteristics of an Epic
1. The hero is a great leader who
identifies strongly with a particular
people
2. The setting is broad and often
includes supernatural realm
3. The hero does great deeds in battle
or undertakes an extraordinary
journey/quest
4. Sometimes gods or other
supernatural beings take part in the
action
5. Story is told in heightened language
ARCHETYPE
A thing, person, or pattern of circumstances that appears
repeatedly in literature.
Common archetypal characters include:




Hero
Evil Villain
Love Sick Suitor
The Fool
Can also be themes:
 Hidden treasure
 Rite of passage
EPIC HERO
• “LARGER THAN LIFE PERSON”
• Embodies the highest ideals of his
culture
• Undertakes a quest to achieve
something of great value to
themselves or society
• Achieve immortality through
memory
• Regular human, sometimes part
god
GREEK GODS AND MONSTERS
If you could create an epic monster, would it
have seventy eyes, wings made of fire, or a
voice so beautiful it could lure humans to their
deaths? Write a description of your monster
and what it could do. Then ask a partner to
read your description and draw a picture of
your monster.