A “Real” Epic Hero

Many people consider Odysseus to be an epic hero based on his accomplishments in the Odyssey. Look at the world today. What types of epic heroes exist today? Is there anyone who we might view as an epic hero today or have all the heroes died off? Whichever you decide, make sure you can defend your opinion.

STEP 1: Decide on a figure from film, the media, or literature that you think fits the mold of a traditional epic hero. This person will serve as the focus of your assignment. It might be helpful to make a list of traits that Odysseus possesses and whether or not your person has these same ones.

Example from Film - Batman is an epic hero because he has to overcome the death of his parents and trials with Bane to help save Gotham and become the hero they deserve.

  • Brave – conquered his fear of bats to become a hero
  • Intelligent – CEO of a multimillion dollar cooperation
  • Self-less – doesn’t expect recognition for saving people
  • Honorable – refuses to kill people and makes them pay for their actions

Example from the Media - American Soldier because they sacrifice their lives to protect those of us here at home

  • Courageous
  • Self-less
  • Honorable
  • Hard-working

STEP 2: Explain why this person you have chosen, whether he/she is a superhero, or everyday person IS in fact an epic hero. Your writing should not only make connections between Odysseus and your hero, but also include good sentence variety, concrete detail (use of your five senses when appropriate), complex sentences, and NO passive voice. Your essay should not only explain why your person is an epic hero but in essence, convince me why I should also see them that way. BE CONVINCING!

STEP 3: All essays are to open with an attention grabbing opening paragraph. All essays must include a conclusion paragraph. Your body paragraph(s) should tie in at least 2 examples from the Odyssey as to why Odysseus is like your hero. If you do not support your reasoning with examples of things Odysseus does, you will lose points. So if you include two examples, your final draft should be 4 paragraphs long.

STEP 4: Conclusion Ideas – This paragraph of your essay should serve as a final attempt to explain why your person is a true epic hero. DO NOT just rewrite your introduction paragraph. Your conclusion should wrap up all of the points you made in your body and introduction paragraphs.