Epic Epic Heroes What Is An Epic A

Epic & Epic Heroes

What Is An Epic? • A long story in poem form. • An epic has a hero. • The epic is the story of the hero’s travels and his fights with monsters.

Epic Continued… • Epics were originally sung, often to a harp. • Epics contain information about the culture that created them: religion, dress, homes, weapons & war, roles of men & women, values, and moral standards. • Epics contain clues to what the people who created them feared or did not understand: natural disasters, death, storms, etc.

What do they all have in common? ?

Traits of an Epic Hero • Has “larger than life” qualities, possibly supernatural powers.

Traits of an Epic Hero • Is a natural leader of men

Traits of an Epic Hero • Is appealing to the opposite sex, but rarely has extended relationships.

Traits of an Epic Hero • Defeats monsters and/or fights gods

Traits of an Epic Hero • Has “good” on his or her side.

Traits of an Epic Hero • Often stands alone in battle. • Often smarter than other people, generally a problem solver.

Traits of an Epic Hero • Has a weakness or “fatal flaw” that destroys them/leads to death.

Traits of an Epic Hero • Makes long journeys, always on the move, travels to find adventure.

Traits of an Epic Hero • Skilled Fighter

The Trojan War • Spartan King Menelaus’ wife Helen (the face that launched a thousand ships) left him for the young Prince Paris of Troy. • Greeks attacked Troy • Agamemnon, brother of Menelaus, led the siege. • Odysseus (main character in the Odyssey) was another hero of the war. • Odysseus was known not only for being a strong hero, but also for being a wise/smart hero. • Another hero, Achilles, died in the final year of the war. • Greek forces were victorious!