'What makes a hero,'

After viewing the video, 'What makes a hero,' do all of the religious episodes mentioned follow the pattern of the heros journey? Find a comparable story from last week. Does it follow the heros journey pattern?
Is the heros journey formula so flexible that it can be applied to any story with a main character and a beginning-middle-end story arc? Try to identify a successful book or movie that defies the heros journey pattern. Consider how that story could be modified to conform to the heros journey.
What do ordinary people have in common with heroes? Why do you believe people look to heroes? Especially those like Sir Gawain, Maui, and Mwindo?
Do you think that the Iliad follows Joseph Campbell's heroic monomyth theory? Why or why not?

create a 1 page-long typed response to one of three review prompts. Responses must be in MLA format.

Explore in writing what you have read and what we have presented in the modules.

Reply to only 1 of 3 topics/questions located below.
Students are to submit their assignment by Oct. 8th, 11:59 pmusing the submission link on this page.
Use citations and supporting evidence from texts/videos found in Modules 10-15.
Restate the chosen topic/question in the first few sentences of your response.
Topic/Questions:

Identify and analyze any recurring motifs, themes, and patterns in any of the myths from weeks 10-15. (Use at least two different regions, ex. do not use two Roman myths; feel free to identify/analyze two or more but do not go above three different myths/stories)
Compare and contrast the mythological speculations between any two or more regions/cultures we have discussed. (Weeks 1-15, can be only weeks 10-15, up to you)
Identify, compare, and contrast any of the humanities-based texts used to interpret our myths. (The Death of Death, Myth & Ritual, Myth & the Hero, Heroic Monomyth, etc.; yes, you can use any Humanities text outside of weeks 10-15 to support your argument)

Full Answer Section

        Themes:
  • Hubris: The concept of excessive pride or arrogance, which often leads to downfall or punishment.
  • Fate and free will: The tension between fate and free will is explored in many myths, as characters struggle to reconcile their destiny with their own choices.
  • The power of love: Love, both romantic and familial, is a recurring theme in many myths, often leading to both joy and tragedy.
Patterns:
  • The hero's journey: Both Mesopotamian and Greek myths often follow the hero's journey pattern, as outlined by Joseph Campbell. This pattern involves a hero who embarks on a quest, faces challenges and trials, and ultimately returns transformed.
  • Theodicy: The problem of evil and suffering is addressed in many myths, as characters grapple with the question of why bad things happen to good people.
These recurring motifs, themes, and patterns provide insights into the values, beliefs, and concerns of the ancient Mesopotamian and Greek cultures. They reflect the importance of divine intervention, heroic quests, and the tension between fate and free will in shaping human destiny.  

Sample Answer

     

Analysis of Recurring Themes in Ancient Mesopotamian and Greek Myths

The ancient Mesopotamian and Greek myths explored in this course exhibit several recurring motifs, themes, and patterns that reflect the cultural and religious beliefs of these societies.

Motifs:

  • Divine intervention: Gods and goddesses often intervene in the lives of mortals, shaping their destinies and testing their character.
  • Heroic quests: Many myths feature heroes who embark on perilous journeys to accomplish a specific goal or overcome a challenge.
  • The underworld: The idea of an afterlife and a journey to the underworld is a common theme in both Mesopotamian and Greek mythology.