Heroes and Hero Worship

Heroes and Hero Worship

Complete the following diagram comparing and contrasting Shrek and Achilles and then answer the following questions based on your observations:

1)  Why might we be attracted to the idea of heroes?

2)  Heroes usually have some imperfections…why?

3)  Name a historical figure that is sometimes recognized as a hero and identify his/her similarities to Shrek and Achilles.

4)  How can the characteristics of a hero lead to a figure being recognized as a hero by some and a villain by others.

5)  What are some dangers of worshiping a historical figure as a hero?

Achilles

·  Greek hero of Trojan War (central character of Homer’s Illiad)

·  His mother, Thetis, tried to make him immortal by dipping him in the river Styx but the area where she held onto him (at his ankle) was left vulnerable

·  As a child he learned medicine, music and combat excelling in all three

·  At times he had fits of rage and could not be calmed

·  At the age of 15 he became commander of an elite group of Greek warriors

·  He was warned that if he fought in the Trojan War he would die but he fought anyways hoping for glory and fame

·  He excelled in his leadership along with combat and was responsible for heavy Trojan losses

·  When his best friend, Patroclus, is killed by the Trojan leader, Hector, Achilles becomes enraged and hunts down Hector

·  As Achilles is about to defeat Hector in battle, Hector asks that he treats his corpse with respect

·  Achilles responds by dragging Hector’s body behind a chariot around Troy

·  According to the myth Zeus had to restrain Achilles so that he did not destroy all of Troy in his rage

·  Eventually Achilles is shot in the back of his ankle, his one vulnerable spot by Paris, the brother of Hector.

Shrek

·  Ugly green ogre that lives alone in a swamp

·  Reclusive and seems to enjoy scaring away any unwanted visitors

·  He is angered when other creatures come to live at his swamp and tries to get them to leave but he finds out he does not actually own the swamp, it belongs to a local ruler, Lord Farquaard

·  Shrek agrees to find a princess for Lord Farquaard to marry in return for the deed to his swamp

·  He excels in physical combat and has immense strength which aids him in his journey

·  Despite serious risks, including a fire-breathing dragon that guards the castle where Fiona is kept, Shrek carries on in his search, hoping to earn everlasting solitude in his swamp

·  After rescuing Fiona, he embarks on the journey back to Lord Farquaard’s castle but on the way he starts to care for Fiona

·  Due to a misunderstanding, Shrek comes to believe Fiona has feelings for him too but cannot get past his hideous outward appearance

·  Shrek is enraged and hurt and encourages Fiona to unite with Lord Farquaard despite his obnoxious character

·  Once he returns to his swamp Donkey reveals the true nature of the misunderstanding with Fiona and Shrek rushes to reach Fiona and declare his true feelings

·  Shrek and Fiona are wed and live “happily ever after”