The Epic Hero
Epic
 An
extended narrative poem that
recounts actions, travels, adventures,
etc.
 Main character is a larger-than-life hero
 Hero faces difficult battles and reveals
his/her strength
 The Gods & fate play a role in the
hero’s experience
Epic Hero
The journey for the mythical hero is a “rite
of passage” that transforms a person
from one level to a more mature level of
understanding.
This journey, or “odyssey”, occurs not just
physically (traveling from place to place),
but emotionally-(hero has a spiritual
awakening)
The Hero Cycle
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All “mythic heroes” follow a path of stages
Stages:
 1. Separation-Departure
 2. Entrance-passage
 3. Breakthrough Experience
 4. The Hero’s Return
During each stage, the hero learns an
important lesson
Separation-Departure

Hero is removed from his “everyday
world”

This happens by a “call to adventure”;
(hero may be reluctant, or have no
choice, but is willing to go)

This separation took them away from
their “known world”
Entrance-Passage
 Hero
undergoes some ordeal to
survive in “world of adventure”
 Hero goes from the familiar to the
unknown
 Hero must go through trials and tests
(often violent encounters with enemies
or forces of nature)
 Hero’s ability advances as a result
Breakthrough Experience
 Final
adventure or critical moment
in the journey
 This battle transforms the hero
The Hero’s Return
 The
hero must “cross the threshold”,
returning to the “world” he once knew
 The hero returns with a new
awakening, rebirth, or resurrection.
 The hero has learned a great lesson
and shares this knew knowledge with
society.
HW: Map out a fictional hero’s
journey
Hero:___________________
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1. Separation/Departure
2. Entrance/Passage
3. Breakthrough Experience
4. Hero’s Return
Epic Rules
 Epic
starts with a statement of the
theme
 Invocation to a “muse” (inspiration)
 Starts in “medias res” (in the middle
of action)
 Makes “allusions” to historical
names, mythic gods, battles/wars,
places, etc.
Epic Rules
 Includes
epic similes (extended
comparisons)
 Long formal speeches by main
characters
 Use of patronymics (calling son by
father’s name)
 Journey to the underworld
Homer- Author of Odyssey

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Not that Homer!

Was a blind man from
Greece living around 700
BC
Greatest poet of ancient
times
Recited his works orally

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Odyssey Part 1:
Greek General Odysseus is trying to
return home to Ithaca after Trojan War
 Has been gone for 10 years
 Homer starts with Invocation to the Muse

 Muse=
goddesses who inspire
storytellers
Odyssey Background
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Iliad/Trojan War Background:
Part 1 :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBMEYIO
IF8k
Part 2:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkIQT_m
WWak
Part 3:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5eKLRG
UvDc
Siren Song:
Definition: Something that is very appealing
and makes you want to go somewhere
or do something but that may have bad
results. (Ex- the appeal of fame and fortune)
 Directions: Pretend you are a “siren” and
your mission is to write a persuasive
appeal/advertisement enticing someone/
group of people. (You can convince them to
do something, to go somewhere, buy a
product, etc.) Lure the reader in with your
irresistible words and your “siren song”.

Literary Goal: You must include and
underline the following elements in your
writing:
Imagery
 Epic simile
 Metaphor
 Alliteration
 Hyperbole (exaggeration)
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