The Heros Adventure

1. What makes a hero?

2. What are the two types of heroic deeds? What heroic cycle is followed in completing both deeds?
3. Psychologically, what is the purpose of the heros adventure?
4. What are Moyers and Campbells thoughts on the difference between a leader and a hero? What do they say about its application
to individuals such as Napoleon (or perhaps Hitler)? What does this tell you about the perception of a hero?
5. Campbell distinguishes two types of heroesone who makes a choice to undertake the journey and another who is thrown
involuntarily into an adventure. According to Campbell, in regards to the hero, how are these two types of adventures the same?
6. What distinction is made between a celebrity and a hero? Why does a society or nation need heroes?
7. We are each completing our own personal heroic journey, and each of us must vanquish our own dragon. According to Campbell,
what does the dragon psychologically represent? What is his solution to slaying this dragon within you?
8. Over the course of our lives, and our personal heroic adventure, we encounter suffering. Who is responsible for our suffering
a) according to Freud?


b) according to Marx?


c) according to Campbell?


9. What is Campbells advice to addressing suffering?
10. What are Campbells thoughts on the truthfulness of myth?
The Epic of Gilgamesh
PART 1
11. How is Gilgameshs behavior described in the opening lines of the epic poem? What are his heroic qualitiesand flaws? What
epic metaphor is used to reveal his status amongst his people?
12. Why, and how, was Enkidu created? How is he described? How may he represent mans yearning for order over chaos,
civilization over savagery? What tames Enkidu?
13. What results from the first encounter between Gilgamesh and Enkidu? How may their relationship represent the balance that is
perceived to embody man and humanity as a whole?
14. How has Gilgameshs new relationship with Enkidu changed him? With the help of Enkidus interpretation of his dream, what
does Gilgamesh now focus his attention? What does this prompt Gilgamesh to do? Why? (What do you believe Gilgamesh means
in stating, Here in the city man dies oppressed at heart, man perishes with despair in his heart?)
15. Who is Shamash? Why does Gilgamesh seek Shamash? How does Shamash respond? How may Shamash serve as an archetype?
16. Why is Enkidu hesitant to enter to cedar forest? What does Gilgamesh do to inspire Enkidu to continue forward? What might this
suggest about our perception of, and our ability to function in the face of, fear and potential death?
17. How might the cedar forest serve as an archetype? How might Shamash and Humbaba, considering who they are and what they
represent, allude to the thematic epic convention?
18. What occurs during Gilgamesh and Enkidus confrontation with Humbaba? What is the nature of, as well as the motive behind,
the actions that precede the battles end? How may this reveal Gilgameshs heroic flaw?
19. Following the battle, what request does Ishtar make towards Gilgamesh? How may this serve as an archetype? How does
Gilgameshs response to her offer, as well as the following series of events, affect the fate of Gilgamesh and Enkidu?
20. How does Enkidu initially react to his newly discovered fate? What affect does Shamashs response have on Enkidu? What
meaning can be made from Enkidus concluding feelings and his blessing those he once cursed?

The Epic of Gilgamesh

21. Describe Enkidus dream. What does it tell you about Mesopotamians idea of the afterlife? Who does he meet there? What does
this tell you about the inevitability of arriving in the underworld? What does Gilgamesh conclude upon hearing this dream?
22. What effect does Enkidus death have on Gilgamesh? What mean can one infer of Gilgameshs tearing out of his hair and flinging
his splendid robes? How has Gilgamesh changed?
PART 2
23. What does Gilgamesh seek to do? Whom or what does he meet on his journey? How do these encounters help or hinder him, and
what must he do each time in order to proceed? What quality or behavior do you think is most helpful to Gilgamesh on his journey?
24. What advice does Siduri give Gilgamesh? What is the theme of Utnapishtims lecture toward Gilgamesh? Do they offer good
advice? What can one make from this considering that he himself is immortal? Why does Gilgamesh decide to not take her advice?
25. What grievance do the gods have with mankind? What do they seek to do?
26. What was Utnapishtim ordered to build? Why? How many days would pass before the projects completion?
27. How is the flood described? How long did it last? Why does Ishtar show regret when reflecting on the fate of man?
28. Why is Utnapishtim treated so favorably by the gods?
29. Following the retelling of his story, how does Utnapishtim respond to the visit from Gilgamesh? What does Utnapishtim propose?
Why does Utnapishtim banish Urshanabi? Why does he respond this way?
30. What archetype does the serpent fulfill? Is it a blessing or a curse? How does Gilgamesh feel about the way his adventure
concludes? What significance do you place on his closing description of his city of Uruk?

The Iliad
PART 1
31. What epic convention is apparent in the opening of the epic?
32. What grievance does Chryses have with Agamemnon? What are the Greeks attitudes towards this quarrel? How does
Agamemnon respond? What happens as a result?
33. Why does Achilles offer Calchas assistance in coming to a solution? Why is Calchas hesitant to offer his assistance?
34. Why does Agamemnon refuse to compromise on the request that is made of him? What does he demand if he were to oblige this
request? Out of all the Greek warriers, why does he target Achilles?
35. What does this tell you about men and their attitudes towards (or at least the perception of) reputation, rank, and power? (How
does this relate to the origins of this infamous war?)
36. How does Achilles respond to Agamemnons demand? What reasoning does he offer to refute his request? How does Achilles
respond when Agamemnon refuses to alter his original request? (Who bears the greater share of the blame for their conflict?)
37. What impulsive action does Achilles wish to attempt? Why does he not carry out this urge? What does this tell you about Achilles
as a character? Being tamed, what prophecy or curse does Achilles direct towards Agamemnon? What may this foreshadow?
38. Hector, the mightiest of the Trojans, visits his family prior to his entering the violence beyond the gates of Troy. How does his
wife attempt to convince him to stay and not return to battle? How does her appeal add to the image of Achilles as an epic warrier?
39. How does Hectors response to his wife suggest about the priorities of an epic hero? What additional explanation does he provide
to justify his returning to battle? How is this different from other epic heroes?
40. What insight does Hector offer on the nature of fate? How should this influence the way one lives their life? Does Hector believe
he will return from battle? Do the people of Troy? (Who seems more heroic: Hector of Achilles?)
The Iliad
PART 2
41. How has the battle between the Greeks and the Trojans changed since Achilles vow? How has Agamemnon responded to there
turn of events? Has his altered behavior had any effect on Achilles?
42. What has become of the Patroclus? What relationship does he have with Achilles?
43. What does Achilles vow as a result of Patroclus fate? What prophecy does Achilles mother convey to her son? What does
Achilles response say of Greek culture?
44. How does Homer describe the opening chase between Achilles and Hector? What epic metaphors are used to describe their
relationship and behavior?
45. What imagery is used to describe Zeus decision in selecting a victor between the two champions?
46. How does Athena get Hector to face Achilles? What deal does Hector offer Achilles prior to their engaging in combat? How does
Achilles reply? What epic metaphor does he use in his response?
47. Once they engage in combat, when does Hector know that he has been tricked by the gods? What does Hectors response to this
discovery say of Trojan culture?
48. What does Hector say just before death cut him short? What does Achilles to with Hector after his death? Why does he do this?
49. What do we learn of Priam when he greets Achilles? What does he proceed to do in order to obtain his sons body? Why does
Achilles respond with such emotion? What meditation does Achilles offer on the makings of men and the creation of their fate?
50. What agreement do Priam and Achilles come to prior to his departing for Troy with his sons corpse? How do the people of Troy
greet their fallen prince? What do they proceed to do with his body?
The Odyssey
PART 1
51. Whom does Homer invoke to help him sing the story of Odysseus?
52. How is Odysseus initially described? Does it align with the conventions of an epic hero?
53. How many years have passed after the Trojan War, the duration that Odysseus had been wandering on the seas?
54. What dilemma are Odysseuss wife and son involved?
55. How long has Odysseus been held captive by Calypso? How would you describe his experience as Calypsos captive?
56. How does Odysseus escape captivity? Upon releasing Odysseus, what does Calypso offer Odysseus?
57. How does he response to her offer? Which of Odysseus qualities is emphasized in this passage?
58. How is Odysseus journey following his departure described? How long until he made it safely ashore on the island of Scheria?
59. What qualities does Odysseus boast when introducing himself? What reference does he make towards his home in Ithaca? What
does this tell you of Greek culture?
60. How is he greeted upon his arriving on the island of Scheria? What does he proceed to do at the request of King Alcinous?
The Odyssey
PART 2
61. Who did Odysseus and his men encounter immediately after departing Troy? What resulted from their encounter?
62. What became of Odysseus and the grieving sailors afterward? How much time had passed until Odysseuss fleet docked on the
land of the Lotus Eaters?
63. How were Odysseus and his men greeted by the Lotus Eaters? What problem do they quickly encounter? What must Odysseus do
as a result? (How might the lotus serve as a symbol of a struggle that many Ancient Greeks had to overcome?)
64. Who are the Cyclopes? How is their way of life described? (How might they serve as a metaphor to contrast the life of more
progressive cities like Athens?)
65. Upon entering the Cyclops cave, what do the men propose? What does Odysseus decides to do? Why? What does this tell you
about Odysseus character?
66. Is the Cyclops afraid of what Zeus will do to him for not being hospitable to Odysseus and his men?
67. When interacting with the Cyclops, how does Odysseus reveal his cleverness? (i.e. the reference to his ships, sparing the Cyclops
as he sleeps, Odysseus identified name)
68. What plan does Odysseus devise to escape the Cyclops lair? (i.e. Odysseus gift, the olive spike, the sheep)
69. What is the Cyclops relationship with Poseidon? What does the Cyclops ask Poseidon to do to Odysseus? Does Poseidon hear
this prayer?
70. How does the Cyclops know Odysseus and his men have escaped? (How does Cyclops respond?) What do we learn of Odysseus
as an epic hero? (i.e. Odysseus dismissing his sailors request, his lamenting as he finally leaves the island)
The Odyssey
PART 3
71. Who is the king of the winds? What did he give Odysseus? What did Odysseuss men do with it? What happened as a result?
(What does this tell you about humankind?)
72. Who are the Laestrygonians? What resulted from Odysseus fleet interaction with them? Of Odysseuss fleet, what now remains?
73. Who entrapped half of Odysseuss men? What would become of Odysseus men? How long did it take to resolve this ordeal?
74. Who does Circe tells Odysseus must meet if he wishes to reach home? Where must Odysseus go, and what must he do, to be able
to encounter him? What does Tiresias tell Odysseus would happen to him? What does he warm him about?
75. Who is Elpenor? What happened to Elpenor? What does he request of Odysseus?
76. Who is Anticlea? Why was Odysseus surprised to see Anticlea?
77. Who else does Odysseus meet in Hades? What exchange does he have that seems to reject the heroic way of life?
78. What are sirens? What problem do they present for Odysseus and his men? How does they avoid this problem?
79. What is Charybdis? What is Scylla? What problem do they present? Does Odysseus adhere to Circes advice when approaching
them? What happens as a result of Odysseus decision? What imagery is used to describe the proceeding events?
80. After escaping the Scylla and Charybdis, where do Odysseus and his men then travel? What becomes of Odysseus and his men?
The Odyssey
PART 4
81. Who is Telemachus? What had the suitors planned for him?
82. Why does Telemachus not recognize Odysseus? When Odysseus is finally revealed to his son, how does Telemachus initially
react? How does Odysseus respond?
83. What does Odysseus tell Telemachus to do so that Odysseus can calculate the strength of his enemies?
84. Who is the only one to recognize Odysseus in his disguise? What does he do after greeting Odysseus?
85. What are the two parts of Penelopes challenge? What is the prize? How do the suitors fair at this challenge?
86. Why do the other suitors make fun of the beggar as he prepares to string the bow? Who actually completes the challenge? What
does the thundering of Zeus signify?
87. Who was the first victim of Odysseuss revenge? What specifically happened to him? What happens to the remaining suitors? Do
you believe they deserve their fate?
88. What aid does Telemachus offer Odysseus in the battle against the suitors? Who also appears to aid Odysseus and his allies,
ensuring that they are not injured?
89. Why does Penelope instruct the servant to make up Odysseuss old bed and move it outside the bedroom? What is Odysseuss
reaction? Why is she so hesitant to trust Odysseus?
90. What is Odysseuss reaction to finally be welcomed by Penelope?
Beowulf
PART 1
91. Why does the poem begin by talking of past kings? What characteristics, actions, or qualities made Shield Shiefson and Beow
(who is NOT Beowulf) a good king? What does this tell you about the type of behavior that is admired by the Anglo-Saxons?
92. At the end of the prologue, who is the current king of the Danes and what was his major accomplishment?
93. How is Grendel described in these opening passages? What allusion is used? Why/When/For how long does Grendel attack
Heorot? (Why does Grendel not approach the throne?)
94. What character archetypes are associated with Grendel? Consider his dwelling, role in society, and moral representation? (Do you
have sympathy for this creature?)What symbolic archetype does Heorot Hall fulfill?
95. How do counselors of the prince of the Shieldings attempt to rid themselves of Grendel? According to the author, what belief
system is presented as superior: Christianity or paganism? How do you know?
96. How is Beowulf described? What did the people of Geatland think of Beowulf? What did they do in preparation for his departure?
Does he seem to follow the conventions of an epic hero?
97. How does the watchman emphasize Beowulfs role as a hero? What details does Beowulf give to the watchman to identify
himself? What do these details suggest about Anglo-Saxon culture?
98. In his boast to Hrothgar, what evidence does Beowulf provide of his past accomplishments and ability to fight Grendel? What
motivates Beowulf to seek a confrontation with Grendel?
99. How does Beowulf plan to fight Grendel? What are Beowulfs attitudes towards death and fate?
100. Queen Wealhtheow is the first woman in this poem. What is she doing during the feasting? What do you think of Hrothgar's queen?
Beowulf
PART 2
101. When engaging in combat with Grendel, what evidence is there of Beowulfs super-human strength?
102. How do Beowulfs men attempt to assist their leader? Are they successful? Why or why not?
103. How does Beowulf ultimately defeat Grendel?
104. What fate befalls Gredel after he escapes Heorot?
105. Where does this section of the poem allude to Christianity? To pagan beliefs?
106. Within this passage, the narrator states, "The Almighty God rules over mankind and always has." Is the contest being cast as one
between God and Grendel? Between man and his dark side? Do you see Grendel as Satan?
107. How does Hrothgar respond to Beowulf's deed?
108. What do Beowulfs men do upon returning to Heorot? Why do so many men remain in the mead-hall to sleep? Why is it a mistake?
109. How does Grendels mother respond to Grendels death? (What character archetype does she represent?)
110. Why is Hrothgar suddenly overcome with grief? In describing the heroic code, what does Beowulf tell Hrothgar about how to
deal with grief and wrongs from others? Based on their dialogue, what does Hrothgar seem to value most? What does Beowulf
seem to value most?
Beowulf
PART 3
111. How are the misty moor and Grendels mothers lair described? How does Beowulf prepare for his decent and battle with
Grendels mother? How does this contrast to his preparation to fight Grendel?
112. What does Beowulf request prior to diving into the lake? What does this tell you about Beowulfs character?
113. Compare and contrast Beowulfs battle with Grendel and the with Grendels mother. (Who is more formidable? How does the use
of weapons and armor influence the outcome of the battle?
114. What ancient heirloom does Beowulf discover? What archetype does this represent?
115. How does Beowulf discover Grendel? What might be the significance of the bright light that appears in the lair of Grendels
mother? Why did Beowulf sever Grendels head? Why did he bring it back to Heorot?
116. Analyze and paraphrase lines 1600-1605. What does this passage show about the Geat culture?
117. Upon Beowulfs return, as the celebration begins in Heorot, why does Hrothgar reference King Heremond? What led to
Heremonds downfall? What does this reveal about the role of a king?
118. According to Hrothgar, who/what permits a man to wield power? What leads to the removal of that power?
119. What wisdom does Hrothgar offer on the notion of death?
120. How is Beowulf greeted upon arriving home? What does Beowulf present to Hygelac? What does Hygelac offer in return?
Beowulf
PART 4
121. What became of Beowulf following his return to Geatland? How much time has passed?
122. What had the dragon been guarding, and for how long? Who was the original owner of the guarded items? Why did the dragon
begin to wreak havoc on the people of Geatland?
123. Why is Beowulf determined to attack the dragon? Are his action that of a great king or epic hero?
124. How is Beowulfs final boast (lines 2511-2537) different from Beowulfs boast before he fought Grendel? What values of Anglo-
Saxon culture are revealed in these same lines?
125. Who is Wiglaf? What is his the background of his family? his weapon? his fighting skill? What archetype does Wiglaf fulfill?
126. Wiglaf is the only thane who stays to help Beowulf. What does his decision suggest about the way in which a legendary hero can
inspire heroism in others?
127. How is the dragon defeated? What price is paid for this victory? Does fate fail Beowulf because, by using a sword and shield, he
did not fully trust fate to protect him?
128. What request does Beowulf ask of Wiglaf? Why does he make this request? What significance do you place on the dragons
corroding and rusty treasure? What does this reveal about the true value and purpose of treasure?
129. With his final words, what are Beowulfs two last wishes? Why does he make these requests?
130. What steps are taken and rituals completed by the Geats in the burial of their king, Beowulf? (How will Beowulf ultimately be
remembered by his people, as a hero or a king? How do you feel he should be remembered?)