LESSON PLAN
UNIT: BEOWULF/Epic hero
TIME: 40-minute class
MATERIALS: Elements of an epic worksheet, list of hero movies, internet (Time heroes
website)
INSTRUCTIONAL OBJECTIVES:
I can list the elements of an epic
I can identify the typical traits of an epic hero
I can write about a connection between an epic hero and a modern-day hero
ANTICIPATORY SET:
Have students think of a movie with a hero in it (to help spur their thinking, show list of 100
greatest hero movies).
Have students summarize the plot of the movie in 30 words or less in writing.
Have several students share their summaries. After listening to the summaries, have students in
groups try to come up with at least three common elements to a hero story.
Explain that modern-day hero stories contain many of the same elements of epic hero narratives,
such as Beowulf, the oldest epic poem in British Literature.
ACTIVITIES:
Brainstorm as a class the elements of an epic, then narrow to following list:
Epic hero
Quest
Divine intervention
Great events
ASSESSMENT:
Students will write a 1-2 page essay on a real-life hero (this can include someone from history).
The essay should explain how the person’s life story has at least two of the same traits that an
epic hero had. NEED A RUBRIC FOR THIS
The paper should be research based and have at least one in-text citation. Below are some
websites with articles about heroes.
http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/0,28757,1984685,00.html
Some movies with great heroes:
-Star Wars
-Superman
-Batman
-Indiana Jones
-Lightning Thief
-Gladiator
-Spartacus
-The Departed
-Saving Private Ryan
-Hotel Rwanda
-The Untouchables
-The Bourne Identity
-United 93
-Schindler’s List
-Rocky
-Robin Hood
-Die Hard
-Braveheart
-Star Wars
-Terminator
-Last of the Mohicans
-Karate Kid
-Lord of the Rings
-Lara Croft: Tomb raider
ELEMENTS OF AN EPIC
An epic poem is a long narrative poem based on a serious and important subject and centered on
a heroic figure. Most are written from oral traditions developed over a time of social unrest and
war.
Most epics contain the following elements:
1. Epic hero
-central character
-larger than life
-typically of noble or semi-divine birth
-pits courage, skill and virtue against opposing, often evil, forces
Heroes specifically have the following traits:
-brave
-great warrior
-strong (superhuman strength)
-loyal
-courteous
-proud
-wise
-both great warrior and king (responsible, puts people first, wise and rational
decision maker)
-sometimes, they have a fatal flaw
2. Quest
-long, dangerous journey or mission undertaken by an epic hero
-hero’s opportunity to prove his heroism and win honor and undying renown
Valorous deeds
-demonstrate a hero’s courage, strength, or virtue
-make up most of the action in the narrative
3. Divine intervention
-in many epics, the hero receives help from a god or another supernatural force
3. Great events
-important events from the history or mythology of a nation or culture often provide the
backdrop