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Characteristics of an Epic Hero. Epic Hero (write what is in bold ) faces trials & enemies while struggling on an epic (long) journey encounters ‘women as temptresses’ (Circe & Calypso threaten the completion of Odysseus’ journey). Epic hero
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Epic Hero (write what is in bold) faces trials & enemies while struggling on an epic (long) journey encounters ‘women as temptresses’ (Circe & Calypso threaten the completion of Odysseus’ journey)
Epic hero At the end, hero must complete a final task alone (note: may have a commitatus, but he has to undertake a task that no one else dares to attempt--Odysseus reaches Ithaca alone) When the hero returns home, he’s a leader of his people
Hero is introduced in the midst of turmoil, at a point well into the story Hero is not only a warrior and leader, but also a polished speaker Whatever virture his culture prizes most, hero possesses in abundance (key quality is often emphasized by his stock epithet: Resourceful Odysseus)
The hero gains honor through challenging heroes like himself or adversaries of superhuman power Smarter, stronger, braver than average Hero and his antagonist meet at the climax (Book 22) Hero’s epic adversary is often a ‘god-despiser’
Hero may encounter a numinous phenomenon (a place or person having a divine or supernatural foce) such as an enchanting sorceress that he must use strength, cunning, and divine assistance to overcome Sometimes there are unusual circumstances about the hero’s birth, or he may know nothing of his parents
External: epic hero’s accomplishments are on a grand (or large) scale Internal: epic hero’s many trials lead him to experience substantial growth (or maturity) along the way (Ex: overcoming fear, understanding self & limits, committing to help others)