Please enter something
Home Page Definition Characteristics of an Epic Hero: Definition, Traits, Attributes Essay Example
Characteristics of an Epic Hero: Definition, Traits, Attributes Essay Example
Characteristics of an Epic Hero: Definition, Traits, Attributes Essay Example

Characteristics of an Epic Hero: Definition, Traits, Attributes Essay Example

Available Only on StudyHippo
Topics:
Definition, Epic Poetry, Hero, Odyssey
  • Pages: 3 (754 words)
  • Published: February 12, 2016
  • Type: Case Study
View Entire Sample
Text preview

Epic Hero definition

It was the Greeks who first identified the protagonist, known as the epic hero. These heroes of the tragedy should evoke a sense of heroism in the audience thanks to legendary, impressive knowledge. The epic hero must be a man whose condition is caused by his own amazing characteristics. Many of the famous Greek epic poems, such as the Odyssey and the Iliad, contain these heroes more than life and their actions. King Arthur, Beowulf, Siegfried, Gilgamesh and Rama are all examples of epic heroes.

  1. Excels in skill, strength, and courage
  2. Succedes in war and adventure
  3. Values honor and glory
  4. Usually has a guide
  5. Battles demons or monsters
  6. Is generous to his followers but ruthless to enemies
  7. Is a man of action
  8. Accepts challenges and sometimes invites problems
  9. Sometimes make rash decisions and takes unnecessary risks
  10. Meets monsters and temptations
  11. Encounters women who tempt him
  12. Descends into darkness (often the underworld)
  13. Achieves his goal.

Main characteristics of an epic hero

 

View entire sample
Join StudyHippo to see entire essay

wisdom, virtue.

="width: 50%; text-align: center;">

ATTRIBUTE

DESCRIPTION

Noble birth

Usually a king, prince, demigod or nobleman of some kind of ability.

Inhuman possibilities

A warrior has a potential of greatness based on their attributes, for example, cunning, courage, humility,

Huge traveler

It is known that the epic hero travels to exotic places of his choice or by chance, usually to fight evil.
Unrivaled warrior

This hero, as a rule, has a reputation as an excellent warrior, even before the start of the story.

Cultural legend

Before an Epic hero can be well known, he must first become a legend in his culture.

Humility

The hero does great things for their own sake, not glory. Heroes who boast or show pride can be punished and humiliated.

Battles Supernatural Enemies

Opponents and obstacles faced by the hero are usually supernatural creatures, such as Grendel, Poseidon or the Cyclops.
  1. The hero often posesses supernatural abilities or qualities Luke Skywalker and the force
  2. the hero is charged with a quest Lord of the Rings: destroy the ring
  3. the hero is tested to prove the worthiness of himself and his quest Harry Potter: get passed the mirror
  4. the hero gets help from mythical beings, magical and helpful animals, human helpers and companions Harry Potter: Hermione

and Ron

  • the hero's travels take him to a supernatural world, often one that normal human beings are barred from entering Orpheus goes to Hades.
  • the hero reaches a low point where he almosts gives up his quest or appears defeated by his enemies Darth Vader appears to have defeated Luke Skywalker.
  • The hero experiences a resurrection. Frodo defeats the evil power.
  • The hero regains his rightful place. on the throne as the leader of his people. Frodo goes home.
  • A noble birth above average station of life
    they will be kings, princes, or nobles of some sort
  • capable of deeds of great strength and courage hero has potential for great deeds
    the magnitude of heroes actions is much greater than commoners
  • great warrior has already established himself in combat during a war
    spent much time in battle or is currently in war
  • travels over a vast setting father away hero has traveled from home the better, more places they have traveled the better
    Distance makes the hero's actions greater, because they aren't selfish; they are fighting or making a quest for another country or people.
  • national heroism before a hero can be recognized around world must first be celebrated in his own country
  • humility never a bragger even willing to take applause
    commits deeds cuz they need to be done not for fame or glory
  • faces supernatural foes and/or recieves supernatural help Most epic heroes either receive aid from a god or goddess or battle some superhuman enemy.

    • Character traits of a hero

    1. Willful Practices restraint
    2. Vanity Pride in own superiority
    3. Eager Need to test themselves
    4. Respectful Allegiance to the past ; traditions
    5. Ambitious Goal-oriented
    6. Brave Courageous
    7. Reverent Submissive to

    the gods

  • Calm under fire Faces hardship without despair
  • Resolute Determination
  • Hubris Will strive towards a helpless goal
  • Selfless Gives himself without complaining
  • *Ruthless Willing to destroy in order to cleanse, purify, or strengthen
  • Achieves his goal
  • Battles demons and monsters
  • Usually has a guide
  • Succeeds in war and adventure
  • Is a man of action
  • Values honor and glory
  • Excels in skill strength and courage
  • Meets monsters and temptations
  • Encounters women who tempt him
  • Descends into darkness
  • Is generous to followers, and ruthless to enemies
  • Accepts challenges and sometimes invites problems
  • Sometimes makes rash decisions and takes unnecessary risks
    • Related assignments
    Popular Essay Topics
    Get an explanation on any task
    Get unstuck with the help of our AI assistant in seconds
    New
    Get unstuck with AI assistant right now
    • Enter your topic/question
    • Receive an explanation
    Pro tips to get quality response
    • Ask one question at a time
    • Enter a specific assignment topic
    • Aim at least 500 characters
    Question
    What is the right structure for an essay
    Answer
    A paragraph is a related group of sentences that develops one main idea. Each paragraph in the body of the essay should contain:
    • a topic sentence that states the main or controlling idea
    • supporting sentences to explain and develop the point you’re making
    • evidence from your reading or an example from the subject area that supports your point
    • analysis of the implication/significance/impact of the evidence finished off with a critical conclusion you have drawn from the evidence.