Mythology – Hero Unit

Hero, in the original Greek sense, means – a demigod.

What is a demigod?

Demigod

An offspring of a god and a mortal

What is a HERO in a broader sense?

One who stands out from ordinary individuals as one who embodies the values or ideas of a particular culture

Greek Heroes Coming from a warrior culture

possessed strength and courage. Larger than life figures Often half-gods Not immortal Through superhuman deeds and

sufferings here on earth, they often achieved a type of immortality.

Heroes Through

TheAges

Values and Ideals Change According to

Time and Place

Thus, the qualities of heroes change also.

Old English Period

This period also honors the Warrior Hero, as with Greek culture

Hero: Beowulf Traits honored by Ango-Saxons of

that time period: › Courage› Loyalty to King and fellow warrior› Ability to perform superhuman deeds.

Medieval Period

Hero: King Arthur or one of his knights embodies the ideals of this age.

Traits:› Courage› Loyalty to God and King› Chivalrous behavior toward

women and the helpless

Renaissance Period

Hero: Leonardo da Vinci – an example of this “Universal Human”

Traits:› Versatility led him to excel in art, literature, diplomacy, warfare, and everything else.

Romantic Period

Hero: Lord Byron – “Byronic Hero”

Traits:› A moody, mysterious, social outcast, yet one who possesses courage and a fascination for others.

The American Hero of American Literature

A Pioneer, like Daniel Boone Traits: Shows the values of a

new country:› Courage› Desire to enter into the Unknown› Willingness to endure hardships› Need to be independent

3 Suggested Reasons the HERO MYTH was created

3 Reasons:1. Humanism – speaks of

the person as the center of all things, of the entire universe.

3 Reasons (Continued)

2. Nationalism – believes a particular nation or culture is best.

3. Individual or Family Pride – his/her family or him/herself embodies all of the qualities of a hero/heroine.

Hero Myths

Praise, glorify or honor the individual, the nation, and the entire human race.

Qualities of a Hero

Nobility Courage The ability to endure The need to be totally

committed The necessity of acting alone LOYALTY

How to Identify a Hero

Heroes are…› Typically male› Women provide protection, guidance,

and knowledge for the hero; they give him the secrets of life.

› often Obscure or mysterious origin.› neither fools nor invincible.› called upon to make a journey or to

follow a goal or quest

How to Identify a Hero

Heroes ways are….› not always direct or clear› beset with dangers, loneliness, and

temptation

How to Identify a Hero

Many quests supply friends, servants, or disciples as company for the heroes.

Heroes have guides – fairy godmothers, beautiful/ugly witches or sorceresses, etc.

How to Identify a Hero

Final Test: Is their descent, either physical or

emotional, into some Hell-like place of suffering or death.

The fear, loneliness, or despair experienced by the hero is a death-rebirth which leads to enlightenment, maturity and change.

How to Identify a Hero

What Heroes SeekGoal is tangible

Success or Achievement is somewhat more spiritual

*The growth or maturity of heroes becomes more important than the actual object of the quests.