John F. Kennedy Center
The Kennedy Center: Multimedia Hero Analysis
In this 9-12 instructional activity, students will analyze the positive character traits of heroes as depicted in music, art, and literature. They will gain an understanding of how cultures and societies have produced folk, military,...
University of Groningen
American History: Outlines: Neoclassism: Epic, Mock Epic and Satire
Unfortunately, "literary" writing was not as simple and direct as political writing. When trying to write poetry, most educated authors stumbled into the pitfall of elegant neoclassicism. The epic, in particular, exercised a fatal...
Georgia Department of Education
Ga Virtual Learning:romantic Poetry:second Generation: Lord Byron, George Gordon
This lesson on Romantic Poetry focuses on the second generation poet Lord Byron (George Gordon). It features links to his biography, and two of his poems both offered in both text and audio forms: "She Walks in Beauty" and "Don Juan...
CommonLit
Common Lit: Book Pairings: "Beowulf"
The life of the mighty hero Beowulf is recounted, as he wins honor and fame by protecting his people and the neighboring nation from terrible monsters. Selected (6) reading passages (grades 9-12) to pair with the Epic poem "Beowulf"....
Other
Holt Elements of Literature Sixth Course: Introduction From Beowulf
A background for the Anglo-Saxon poem Beowulf, to the time period in which it was created, and about the concept of the Epic Hero.
Other
Pace University: King Arthur: A Character Analysis
This is a character analysis of King Arthur. This article discusses the three kinds of Arthur: Arthur as an epic hero, as symbol of the virtues of Camelot, and as a naive victim of fate. It also offers an audio link and text link to "A...
TED Talks
Ted: Ted Ed: A Host of Heroes
What can some of literature's most famous heroes teach us? From the epic hero to the tragic hero, each has something distinctive to share. April Gudenrath describes the many faces of the fictional hero--and shows how they can inspire...
CommonLit
Common Lit: Excerpt From "The Odyssey: The Sirens" by Homer
"The Odyssey" is an epic poem about a Greek hero named Odysseus, also known as Ulysses in Roman myths, and his 10-year journey home after the fall of Troy. In this excerpt, Ulysses encounters the Sirens while at sea. A specific purpose...
Other
Art Arena: Origins and Basis of Ferdowsi's "Shahnameh"
This article is part of a review of the book, "Poet and Hero in the Persian Book of Kings," by Olga M. Davidson. The article's author is Mahmud Kianush, a renowned modern Iranian author. In the article, he discusses the historical...
National Endowment for the Humanities
Neh: Edsit Ement: A Prelude to Beowulf
Before reading the Anglo-Saxon epic poem, "Beowulf," students should explore the Dark Ages through researching the fundamental characteristics of the art and literature produced during this period. This website provides links for doing...
ClassFlow
Class Flow: Intro to Odyssey
[Free Registration/Login Required] Greek and Roman mythology come alive as students follow Odysseus's journey. Epic poetry and heroes are introduced.
PBS
Pbs Kids: Cyberchase: Railway Hero
Players are on a mission to repair cyberspace's Information SuperRailway, after pieces of its track were stolen by the villain Hacker. Using math problem-solving strategies including counting, addition, and spatial reasoning, players...
Blackdog Media
Classic Reader: Beowulf by Anonymous
This is the full text of the Old English epic poem Beowulf by an unknown author. Beowulf, a hero of the Geats, comes to the aid of Hrothgar, the king of the Danes, who has been under attack by a monster known as Grendel. After Beowulf...
Luminarium
Luminarium: Heroes of the Middle Ages
Approximately half-way through this essay is an intriguing paragraph dealing with Sir Gawain's spiritual battle in "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight." This is contrasted with the more traditional physical battle of many epic heroes....
My Hero Project
My Hero: Beowulf
Use this resource to learn why Beowulf, of epic poetry fame, is viewed as a heroic character.
CommonLit
Common Lit: Book Pairings: "The Odyssey" by Homer
Selected (6) reading passages (grades 8-11) to pair with the epic poem "The Odyssey" by Homer. Odysseus, an ancient Greek war hero and leader of Ithaca, embarks on a twenty-year long return to his homeland after the fall of Troy. It is...
World History Encyclopedia
World History Encyclopedia: Arjuna
Illustrated entry tells the story of Arjuna, a hero in the Indian epic " The Mahabharata".
National Endowment for the Humanities
Neh: Edsit Ement: Symmetry in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight
In this lesson plan, young scholars will consider Symmetry in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. Worksheets and other supporting materials can be found under the Resources tab. This lesson plan explores symmetry in the structure and themes...
The English Teacher
The English Teacher: The Odyssey Student Questions
Examples of honors student questions about themes and characters in "The Odyssey." The way you might respond to them can be used in creating your lesson plan.
Other
Abney Website: Ap Vergil's Aeneid
This comprehensive teacher-created resource provides many resources for teaching the "Aeneid." Lots of help on vocabulary, scansion tests, and figures of speech. Activities for every book.
ABCya
Ab Cya: Bow and Angle
Join the heroes Loxley, Arrowyn, Busido, and Mockingbird in this epic adventure of Bows and Angles! Practice measuring and reading angles while you defend yourself from treacherous shadow ninjas.
Other
Bob's Byway: Glossary of Poetic Terms
Calling itself "unique," Bob's is easy to use, with cross-links throughout, phonetic pronunciation guides when necessary, and many examples and quotations. Click on the letter and scroll for the word.
Ducksters
Ducksters: Ancient Greece for Kids: Homer's Iliad
Kids learn about Homer's Iliad from Ancient Greece on this site. Explore an epic poem about the Trojan War and the hero Achilles.
Ducksters
Ducksters: Ancient Greece for Kids: Homer's Odyssey
Learn about an epic poem about the hero Odysseus and his journey home on this site. Read more information about Homer's Odyssey here.