Making communications land - Are they received and understood as intended? we...
The twelve labours of heracles
1. 1. How does Heracles show that he is strong?
2. What terrible crime did Heracles commit?
3. What kind of person was King Eurystheus?
4. What did Heracles do to the Nemean Lion?
5. What is the Hydra and how did Heracles kill
it?
6. Did Heracles only use his strength to
complete his labours?
7. Was Heracles a perfect character? Why or
why not?
2. Joseph Campbell wrote a book called “The
Hero with a Thousand Faces”
This book makes links between all heroes in
literature throughout history – world
mythology, popular movies, modern day
comic books, etc.
It even makes links between literary heroes
and the events and decisions that shape
individual lives
All heroes (should) follow the same 9
patterns…
3. May conquer death
Enemies who make his life
(escape through maze,
difficult / dangerous
in and out of underworld) Unusual conception,
birth or childhood
Allies while performing
the task / quest
Guaranteed success
due to qualities and
allies Hero Stories explain things
about the natural world
Mythology
May have a special weapon Face difficulties due to
or item of clothing – usually nature of quest /
part of iconography enemies
(physical, mental, etc.)
Prohibitions that are
bound to be broken at least once
4. For each of the 9 aspects of the hero
myth, identify which aspect of Heracles’ story
relates to it
Are there any of the 9 that Heracles’ story
does not contain?
Put them into chronological order based on
the story we’ve read this week.
5. Metaphor – an image created in the reader’s
mind by directly comparing two things
“my stomach was a knot as I waited”
Simile – an image created in the reader’s
mind by comparing two things using like or
as
“my heart was pounding like a drum – I was nervous”
6. Technique Example Effect
“he had to fight a thousand This makes the reader
angry women, fierce as think of...
wasps”
“the Hydra looked like This makes the reader
nothing more than a think of...
knobbly tree stump”
“he slashed through many This makes the reader
snaking necks without think of...
being bitten”
“the sun scorched Atlas’ This makes the reader
neck and the moon shaved think of...
his beard”
“To rest from his labours This makes the reader
for all time, among the think of...
singing planets”
7. Extension:
1. Draw a three-panel cartoon that illustrates
three similes or metaphors from the story
(hint: use the table)
OR
2. Write a paragraph to tell Heracles’ story in
your own words – be sure to use similes and
metaphors of your own creation!
