Please email me Erin Salona at esalona1@ccs.k12.in.us if you would like to download this presentation.

1. Elements of theElements of the
Traditional Epic &Traditional Epic &
the Epic Herothe Epic Hero
The Odyssey by HomerThe Odyssey by Homer
PowerPoint by Erin SalonaPowerPoint by Erin Salona

2. The Traditional EpicThe Traditional Epic
 The Epic Hero is superhuman--braverThe Epic Hero is superhuman--braver
and stronger than ordinary peopleand stronger than ordinary people
 There is some all-knowing or wiseThere is some all-knowing or wise
person who helps the protagonistperson who helps the protagonist
 The story starts in the middle of theThe story starts in the middle of the
actionaction in medias resin medias res and earlierand earlier
events are introduced later onevents are introduced later on

3. The Traditional EpicThe Traditional Epic
 The setting is vast in scope- sometimesThe setting is vast in scope- sometimes
worldwide and even beyondworldwide and even beyond
 The hero is on a quest for something ofThe hero is on a quest for something of
great value to him or his peoplegreat value to him or his people
 The action of the epic involves heroicThe action of the epic involves heroic
deeds and battle, often including a longdeeds and battle, often including a long
journey or warjourney or war

4. The Traditional EpicThe Traditional Epic
 The villains that try to keep the hero fromThe villains that try to keep the hero from
his quest are uglier, more evil, and morehis quest are uglier, more evil, and more
cunning than anything in ordinary lifecunning than anything in ordinary life
 The gods or other supernatural beingsThe gods or other supernatural beings
take an active role in the storytake an active role in the story

5. The Epic HeroThe Epic Hero

6. The Epic HeroThe Epic Hero
 Great Stature-Great Stature-
Larger than LifeLarger than Life
 Possesses thePossesses the
character traitscharacter traits
most valued bymost valued by
society (i.e.society (i.e.
determination,determination,
courage, wit,courage, wit,
wisdom)wisdom)

7. The Epic HeroThe Epic Hero
 Pursues his goal inPursues his goal in
the face of manythe face of many
setbackssetbacks
 Has human traitsHas human traits
and failings thatand failings that
make him seemmake him seem
like a real personlike a real person
(i.e. too curious,(i.e. too curious,
foolish, tricky)foolish, tricky)