Who's Your Hero?

Taken from Google Images



To begin our unit on Heroes, I want you to think about the various heroes you've been exposed to in your life.  What do each of these Heroes have in common?  What makes each of them unique (if anything)?  What it similar about the Journeys they go on to fulfill their individual Quests? 

Whether you know it or not, there is a "formula" for the Quests that each Hero finds him/herself embarking upon, filled with the archetypes that we learned about last semester - The Hero's Journey.  And despite the fact that many of the Hero stories you've seen or heard about seem different (what does Frodo Baggins have in common with Luke Skywalker?), they have a lot more in common than you might think because they all embark upon a similar Journey to fulfill their individual Quests!

For this journal prompt, I want you to discuss the various Heroes you've been exposed to in your life.  What commonalities do these Heroes have with one another, and what makes each of them so great?  Use your genre sheet!

Fatal Flaws

Bloodthirsty Ares
Taken from Google Images

It's good that the Greeks created the gods with flaws - what fun would it be if the Olympians didn't have something they struggled with?  Zeus is known for his womanizing ways, Hera is known for her jealousy, Poseidon is vengeful, Hestia must be boring since she's not featured in any myths, Ares is a hot-head, and Hades - well - he is just plain creepy. 

For this journal prompt, I want you to consider your flaws (you have them, I promise) and make a list.  Out of all of them, which one would you consider to be the worst - that one fatal flaw?  Use your multi-genre sheet for this journal prompt!

What Would Hades Have to Say?

Taken from Google Images



For this journal prompt, I want you to think back on the story of Hades, Persephone, and Demeter - the whole situation is a bit messed up, right?  What ever possessed the Greek god of the Underworld to snatch a woman from earth and make her his wife?  How do you thinks Persephone felt having to hang out amongst the dead for a few months out of the year?  We know that Demeter was torn up about it because as legend goes, the three months when Persephone is gone, her mother weeps and neglects her godly duties, hence why we endure winter (who knew it was Hades' fault all along?!).

Write a journal or diary entry from the perspective of either Hades, Persephone, or Demeter.  Maybe you want to create a twist to the story: perhaps Hades is just lonely and misunderstood, and he really is a good guy.  Perhaps Persephone actually likes the down time in the Underworld.  Maybe Demeter has plotted something evil to pay Hades back for taking her daughter.  This is your journal prompt from the perspective of one of these Greek characters - do with it as you please, but for the wrath of Zeus - be creative!