Heroes Greek Hero Archetype Unit Goals 1 Understand

Heroes Greek Hero Archetype

Unit Goals 1. Understand discuss individual Greek heroes 2. Know and be able to identify/apply the Greek hero archetype 3. Identify and analyze distinctive traits of the individual heroes and connect them to lasting thematic messages 4. Review narrative structure and apply story details accurately to the conflict map

Heroic Themes

Your Tasks � For each of the Heroic Themes below, record the descriptions of the traits in your notes, making a point to put the info in your own words. � Then, complete each task afterward. • You should leave space in your notes for EACH hero to add material from our discussion � As always, note any questions you have and be ready to share them!

Rightful Kingdom 1. 2. This hero has something taken away from him early on. Hence, they start life at a disadvantage. • This hero decides he must go on a journey to recover what is lost. • He is not coerced…he chooses to do it. ) 3. 4. The quest is one of confidence and optimism. Fight for what is theirs by right, but also what they have a responsibility to achieve.

Task #1 �List at least 3 ways this theme occurs in the myth of “Perseus, ” tying thematic traits to specific details from the myth.

Might for Right 1. The hero's quest is to gain a kingdom but much more. He sees the need to pave the way for a safer path for society because it is the RIGHT thing to do. 2. He improves the world at his own personal risk. 3. He is a romantic hero, which means he possesses physical strength, greatness of heart, imagination and vision. • Note this use of “Romantic” is not lovey-dovey! It’s about the traits listed above.

Might for Right (cont) He sometimes rescues the dying or bound social order from the rigidity of settled habits or tyranny of evil laws. 4. • 5. think and re-think this one. What does this mean? ? The hero uses his strength (both physical and mental) to redress the wrongs in society.

Task #2 �List at least 3 ways this theme occurs in the myth of “Theseus, ” tying thematic traits to specific details from the myth.

The Golden Cup 1. The hero’s quest is a failed quest because the hero allies himself with evil. 2. For this hero, the prize (the “golden” end result) becomes more important than the means used to get it. • 3. Golden: achieving gold = a symbol of the highest honors for material, personal, or monetary success. The quest is tragic because the original goal is good but throughout the course of the journey it turns bad.

Golden Cup (cont) 4. There is an irony to the failed quest in that the goal is disappointing once finally reached because the hero realizes the journey is what was most important. 5. The “cup” is a mere illusion. 6. The hero then must distinguish between the true dream and the false illusion which will lead to failure.

Task #3 �List at least 3 ways this theme occurs in the myth of “Jason, ” tying thematic traits to specific details from the myth.

Stop here

To Do What Must Be Done � � � The hero in this thematic section takes on the quest to do something that a MAN must do, whether he wants to or not. The quest becomes one of finding a way of dealing with special destinies that have thrust upon them. Even though he is placed indirectly in the position, the hero assumes full responsibility for his actions. Most heros in this quest endure unusual suffering, injustice and death. Their stories tend to be tragic. Although loss and suffering occurs, the dignity and grandeur of the hero remain. They accept their fate in that they do not run away form the challenge they are presented. The hero is one with society but also one with himself. “To understand who you are and be that person!”