What is a Hero?

1. What is a Hero? 9th Grade English Mrs. Leach and Mrs. Flatt

2. You will need to take notes!

3. Hero Types • Hero: (1) In mythology, a mighty warrior who is often the son of a god or king and goes on an epic quest. (Odysseus)

4. Hero Types • Hero: (2) Main character of a story who often displays admirable qualities.

5. Hero Types • Anti-Hero: Main character of a story who is flawed in some way and often does not display admirable qualities.

6. Answer the following. . . • Why do you think that flawed main characters sometimes are more likable than ones who are not? • Over the years, the number of anti-heroes playing the lead in movies has risen. Why do you think this is?

7. The Hero’s journey • Think of the hero’s journey as a cycle that the hero must go through.

8. 1. The Departure • Call to Adventure- The character is called (willingly or unwillingly) to do something out of the ordinary. • Refusal of the Call- Sometimes the character doesn’t want to go on the adventure. • Answering the call- There is something that motivates the character to accept the call. • Supernatural Aid- Someone or something (with magical powers, usually) helps the hero on the journey.

9. 1. The Departure • Guide/ Mentor- A specific character helps the hero understand the life situation or provides the hero with special training. • Talisman- An item of significance (a necklace, a token, a totem). • Companions- These help the hero on the journey. • Crossing the Threshold- The Hero leaves the familiar and goes to the unfamiliar. • Threshold Guardians- Prevent the hero from crossing into the unfamiliar.

10. 2. The Initiation • Road of Trials- Challenges that the hero faces. • Brother Battle- a physical or mental battle with a close relative or friend. • Meeting the Goddess- meeting with a special beauty or power. • Abduction- the character (or someone close to them) is kidnapped. • Night/Sea Journey- the hero travels on the sea or in the dark.

11. 2. The Initiation • Dragon Battle- the hero battles a monster of some kind (either an enemy or personal demon). • Ritual Death- The hero is thought to be dead OR the hero believes someone close to him/her is dead. The hero may also suffer an injury. • Sacred marriage- a literal marriage or special emotional bond. • Atonement- usually a reuniting with a father (or father figure).

12. 2. The Initiation • Entering the belly of the whale- The point where the hero must face his deepest, darkest fear. • Apotheosis- The point where the hero is worshipped as a god? • Ultimate Boon/ Magic Elixir- The hero finds some special solution to a problem he/she is attempting to resolve (possible a magic potion).

13. 3. The return • Refusal of the Return- The hero refuses to return to the homeland or the place that he/ she began the journey. • Magic Flight/Pursuit- Towards the end, where the hero is being chased or trying to escape from something. • Rescue from Without- All seems hopeless, it seems that the hero will die, then suddenly a rescue happens unexpectedly. • Crossing the Return Threshold- The hero clearly returns “home.”

14. 3. The return • Master of Two Worlds- The hero has conquered life in both the familiar and unfamiliar worlds. • Freedom to Live- The hero has resolved the problem so that all can live freely.