What do we learn from the virtues of an epic hero?.Can you distinguish an epic hero from a typical character in a work of literature?.What are the characteristics of someone who has an extensive reputation?.Grade Level: 8-12 Lesson Specific Essential Questions What is an epic hero and how do I know who they are? Teach students the literary device and ask them to think deeply about their attributes and how they affect the work as a whole. Check out our sample lesson below!Įxample Epic Hero Lesson Plan Overview of the Lesson By analyzing epic poems and stories and creating their own heroes, students can develop critical thinking skills and a deeper understanding of the hero's journey. Overall, teaching about epic heroes can be a fun and interactive way to engage students with literature and mythology. Have them present their hero to the class and explain why they chose certain qualities and characteristics. Overall, the study of epic heroes can help us gain a deeper understanding of literature, history, and the human condition.Īsk students to create their own epic hero, complete with their own journey, challenges, and character traits. Studying them can give us a better understanding of the historical context in which they lived. Historical Context: Many epic heroes are based on real historical figures or events.By studying their stories, we can learn valuable moral lessons and apply them to our own lives. Moral Lessons: Epic heroes often embody certain virtues such as courage, loyalty, and perseverance.By studying epic heroes, we can learn about literary techniques such as metaphor, symbolism, and characterization. Literary Analysis: Epic heroes are often the protagonists of epic poems or narratives, which are significant literary works in their own right.Studying epic heroes allows us to gain insight into these cultures and the values they held dear. Cultural Significance: Epic heroes often come from ancient cultures and societies that are no longer in existence.These are just a few examples of epic heroes from different cultures and time periods.Įpic heroes are often taught in literature and history classes for a variety of reasons. He is known for his bravery, his sense of justice, and his wise leadership. King Arthur: This legend was the king of Britain who appears in many medieval tales and romances.Arjuna: From the Hindu epic 'Mahabharata', he is a skilled archer and warrior who must face a moral dilemma before a great battle.Achilles: From Homer's epic poem 'The Iliad', the hero Achilles is known for his incredible strength and is considered the greatest warrior of his time.Gilgamesh: The protagonist of the Mesopotamian epic poem 'Epic of Gilgamesh.' He is a powerful king who embarks on a quest for eternal life.Odysseus: The central figure of Homer's epic poem 'The Odyssey.' He is a Greek hero who faces many challenges on his journey home from the Trojan War and has all the traits of an epic hero.

Beowulf: The protagonist of the Old English epic poem 'Beowulf.' He is a warrior who fights against monsters and becomes a king.

Most epic heroes are larger-than-life, possess heroic qualities, and embody the values of their culture.

Battles Supernatural Creatures: The superhuman foes and obstacles he faces are usually supernatural beings, e.g.

Heroes that boast, or exhibit hubris may be punished and humbled.

Humility: The hero performs great deeds for their own sake rather than glory and they demonstrate humility.Cultural Legend: Before an epic hero can be universally known, he must first be a legend in his culture.Unmatched Warrior: Typically has a reputation for being a larger than life figure, even prior to the beginning of the story.Vast Traveler: Known for making travels to another world or going on a perilous journey to exotic locations by choice or chance, usually to battle against evil.

cunning, bravery, humility, wisdom, virtue, making them seem to have superhuman abilities and superhuman strength. Superhuman Abilities: The skilled warrior has the potential for greatness based on their attributes, e.g.Noble Birth: Usually a king, prince, demi-god, or god-like nobleman of some capacity.According to the epic literary definitions, these characteristics are as follows: What are the Characteristics of an Epic Hero? The Seven Traits of an Epic HeroĪll epic heroes or epic characters have the same epic hero qualities.

Epic definition and example