heroic characteristics
What defines an epic hero?
larger-than-life figure who embarks on great journeys
What is one heroic quality they both share?
Intelligence—both heroes rely on cleverness over brute strength.
Where does each hero’s journey primarily take place?
Odysseus travels across the sea; Spider-Man protects New York City.
How does Odysseus use cunning to escape danger?
Odysseus uses deception to escape Polyphemus the Cyclops.
Name one way Odysseus and Spider-Man both embody epic hero traits.
Both heroes demonstrate resilience in overcoming hardships.
How do both heroes face temptation and hardship?
Odysseus faces temptation from Circe and the Sirens, Spider-Man struggles with revenge and moral dilemmas.
How do their motivations for heroism differ?
Odysseus seeks to reclaim his home, Spider-Man fights crime out of personal duty.
What challenge does Spider-Man constantly deal with in his personal life?
Spider-Man struggles to balance heroism with his personal life.
What is a flaw that both heroes struggle with?
They both struggle with personal flaws—Odysseus's hubris (excessive pride) and Spider-Man's guilt and self-doubt.
How do both heroes rely on intelligence rather than brute strength?
Odysseus uses cunning tricks, Spider-Man outsmarts villains with quick thinking.
What role does community play in Spider-Man’s story compared to Odysseus’s?
Spider-Man is deeply tied to his community; Odysseus is largely self-reliant.
How does Odysseus’s hubris impact his journey?
Odysseus’s arrogance angers Poseidon, prolonging his journey.
How does Spider-Man’s heroism differ from Odysseus’s?
Spider-Man’s heroism is rooted in personal responsibility, while Odysseus’s is about reclaiming his rightful place as king.
How does responsibility shape their actions?
They both feel immense responsibility—Odysseus for his kingdom, Spider-Man for protecting people.
What kind of enemies do they face?
Odysseus faces mythical beasts and vengeful gods; Spider-Man fights street-level criminals and supervillains.
What moral dilemma does Spider-Man face as a hero?
Spider-Man constantly chooses between justice and personal happiness.
Why might Odysseus NOT be considered a traditional superhero?
Unlike Spider-Man, Odysseus isn't a selfless protector of the weak—his journey is largely about personal glory.
How do both heroes handle personal sacrifice?
Both heroes endure loss for the greater good—Odysseus loses his men, Spider-Man loses Uncle Ben.
How does Odysseus’s status as a general change his role as a hero compared to Spider-Man?
Odysseus has status and power as general, Spider-Man is an ordinary person turned hero.
What tragic event influences Spider-Man’s heroic journey?
the death of his uncle