Elements commonly found in heroic myth
Discussion: Heroic Motifs
Here is a list of “motifs” or elements commonly found in heroic myth (taken from Powell, Classical Myth):
One of the hero’s parents may be divine.
The hero’s birth is miraculous or unusual, but of his childhood we know little.
The hero has great strength and is a menace to his compatriots as well as to others.
The hero’s truest companion is another male.
The hero falls under an enemy’s power and is compelled to perform impossible labors.
The hero breaks a taboo, and a terrible price is demanded.
The hero resists the temptations of an enticing but dangerous woman.
The hero is responsible for the death of a companion.
The hero goes on a quest, even to the underworld.
He may have help from gods, spirits, or magical objects.
The hero returns home, atones for his crimes, and accepts his limitations.
The hero is rewarded with something of great value.
At his death, the hero receives a magnificent funeral and may become a god.
Drawing from the list of motifs above, pick five and give one modern (twentieth or twenty-first century) literary or cinematic example for each of the five motifs you have chosen. Your examples need not relate directly to Greek and Roman myth, but they should employ the same folktale motifs. For each example, describe in one sentence specifically how the motif is used (from these explanations will come the bulk of your points).
Post your examples and explanations to this discussion. Remember to post meaningful responses to at least two other of your group members’ posts.
Example Answer
One of the hero’s parents may be divine.
Example:
the Harry Potter series
Reason for choice:
Harry’s parents are wizards, who are superhuman figures with powers like those of divinities; this secret is kept from him at first.
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