Heros & Heroines in Mythology
In mythology, heroes and heroines are often depicted as individuals who, in the face of danger, combat adversity through feats of ingenuity, bravery, or strength. They are not all-powerful and immortal beings, but instead, they represent the best of what it means to be human, demonstrating great strength, courage, wisdom, cleverness, or devotion. The concept of a hero has evolved over time. In classical literature, the hero is the main or revered character in heroic epic poetry celebrated through ancient legends of a people, often striving for military conquest and living by a continually flawed personal honor code.
The Ancient Greeks’ concept of “the hero” was very different from what we understand by the term today. In Greek tradition, a hero was a human, male or female, of the remote past, who was endowed with superhuman abilities. A classical hero is considered to be a “warrior who lives and dies in the pursuit of honor” and asserts their greatness by “the brilliancy and efficiency with which they kill”. In contrast, a heroine in mythology is a female hero. Like their male counterparts, heroines are characters of divine ancestry endowed with great strength or ability. They serve as symbols of bravery, courage, and honor, inspiring individuals across various cultures and time periods.
The Hero’s Journey: Joseph Campbell’s Vision of the Hero’s Path by Diego Ramos
Finding Joe
A truly inspirational film, Finding Joe explores the studies of famed mythologist Joseph Campbell. Take a journey through the human psyche and discover the pattern hidden in every story. Directors Patrick Takaya Solomon Starring Deepak Chopra, Mick Fleetwood, Rashida Jones Genres Special Interest, Documentary
EXERCISE - Hero's Journey
1. Watch Finding Joe the YouTube movie above and answer the following two questions:
2. What is the hero's journey? Please answer in one paragraph.
3. In two paragraphs write your own hero or heroines' journey. You are the hero or heroine of your life. Explain who you are in your life's story and why you are that hero or heroine,
The Hero’s Adventure
Joseph Campbell encourages the audience to discover what excites them, and to make that the basis for their personal journeys.
eBooks
The Heroic Ideal: Western Archetypes From the Greeks to the Present by Call Number: eBookISBN: 9780786437863Publication Date: 2010-06-08
The Myth of the Birth of the Hero: A Psychological Exploration of Myth by Call Number: eBookISBN: 9780801878831Publication Date: 2004-10-06
Myth of the Modern Hero: Changing Perceptions of Heroism by Call Number: eBookISBN: 9781845199029Publication Date: 2017-11-21
Mythology: The Voyage of the Hero by Call Number: eBookISBN: 9780195121537Publication Date: 1998-05-28
Somewhere I Have Never Travelled: The Hero's Journey by Call Number: eBookISBN: 9780195101270Publication Date: 1996-01-04
Books
Hero with a Thousand Faces by Call Number: BL313 .C28 2008 @ EMC,GCC,SCC,MCC LibrariesISBN: 9781577315933Publication Date: 2008-07-28- Hero with a Thousand Faces by Call Number: Google BooksISBN: 9781577315933Publication Date: 2008-07-28
Articles
- Heroes: Teacher Resources - University of CambridgeThe concept of a hero has evolved over time, and the modern understanding of a hero may differ significantly from the classical or traditional definitions. In modern culture, a hero is often seen as someone who is admired for their courage, selflessness, and noble qualities, and who is willing to take risks or make sacrifices in order to help others or achieve a noble goal. Heroes may be real or fictional, and they may come from a variety of backgrounds or fields. For example, a hero could be a soldier, a firefighter, a sports person, or a fictional character in a book or film.
EXERCISE - Who is your hero?
Who is your hero? Why do you give them hero status in your life? What qualities do they have that make them heroic? Would everyone consider them heroic? Think of two or three of your heroes. Write down a list of positive and negative traits each of them has. Which wins out- positive or negative? - Heroes: Teacher Resources - University of Cambridge