Elements of the Epic Hero Cycle – Elements of the Epic Hero Cycle – An epic is a long narrative poem An epic is a long narrative poem celebrating the adventures and celebrating the adventures and

achievements of a heroachievements of a hero

Element #1Element #1

The main character is a hero, who is The main character is a hero, who is often possessed of supernatural often possessed of supernatural abilities or qualities.abilities or qualities.

Element #2Element #2

The hero is charged with a quest.The hero is charged with a quest.

Element #3Element #3

The hero is tested, often to prove The hero is tested, often to prove the worthiness of himself and his the worthiness of himself and his quest.quest.

Element #4Element #4

The presence of numerous mythical The presence of numerous mythical beings, magical and helpful animals, beings, magical and helpful animals, and human helpers and companions.and human helpers and companions.

Element #5Element #5

The hero’s travels take him to a The hero’s travels take him to a supernatural world, often one that supernatural world, often one that normal human beings are barred normal human beings are barred from entering.from entering.

Element #6Element #6

The cycle must reach a low point The cycle must reach a low point where the hero nearly gives up his where the hero nearly gives up his quest or appears defeated.quest or appears defeated.

Element #7Element #7

A resurrectionA resurrection

Element #8Element #8

Restitution (Compensation for Restitution (Compensation for completion of the quest). Often this completion of the quest). Often this takes the form of the hero regaining takes the form of the hero regaining his rightful place in history. his rightful place in history.