The Epic Hero
The Epic Hero (Key Points)
- Figure of great national, or even cosmic importance
- Usually historical or legendary significance
- Traditionally male (does not exclude a female heroine)
- Previously proven valour
- Favoured by the gods
- Holds the fate of an entire nation, community, or group in his hands
- Performs superhuman actions
- Superior to other humans
- Has a specific moral principle or ideal that he exemplifies
- Hero faces trials and enemies while struggling on an epic journey
- Unusual circumstances surround the hero’s birth
- After the final task is successfully accomplished, the hero returns home, a leader of his people