Hero Cycle: A Modern Epic

Directions: Copy and paste the below information onto a Word Doc. Please highlight your answers and erase the lines as you work. Use this Hero Cycle Diagram to help you. Links to an external site.  Here is a more detailed explanation Links to an external site. to help if you are confused. 

Heroic Cycle

Briefly describe these basic stages of the Hero’s Journey:

*Use your Heroic Cycle Chart to help you.

Part 1- Call to Adventure:  __________

Part 2- Supreme Ordeal/Initiation: __________

Part 3- Unification/Transformation: __________

Part 4- Road Back/Hero’s Return: __________

Modern Epic

Name a modern epic (movie or book) that follows the hero cycle. It should be a story you are very familiar with and wouldn’t mind writing a paper about down the road:

Title: __________    

Year: __________

Writer/Director: __________

Publisher/Production Co.: __________

Name and describe the hero of your modern epic. Don’t just say “brave” or “strong.” Your hero may have high status in society (royalty), or may be an ordinary person.  Remember that there is no certain way that every hero always looks, thinks, or behaves. Write 2-4 sentences to describe each part. 

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Call to Adventure: Heroes usually begin their journeys when a traumatic event occurs that leads to the hero wanting or needing to leave home. What is the traumatic event your modern epic hero encounters? Why does your hero leave? 

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Supernatural Helper: The hero is usually aided by someone, often old and wise, with magical and mystical power. This figure serves as a guide and mentor as the hero embarks into a new world and faces challenges to his or her life and character. Who is your modern epic hero’s helper?

 ___________________________

 Trials: The hero has to succeed at a series of trials that challenge and build his or her moral strength and character. Identify the trials of your modern epic hero:

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Achievement of Goal: Upon successful completion of the trials, the hero achieves the ultimate goal of the journey. What is the ultimate goal of your modern epic hero’s journey?

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Return Home: The hero, sometimes willingly and sometimes unwillingly, again crosses the threshold and returns home. He or she brings new wisdom and important cultural values back to the community upon return. With what new wisdom/value does your modern epic hero return home? 

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