Activity Overview
Hercules is as "epic" as heroes can get. Hercules is thought of by some as one of the greatest heroes of all time, and may have been one of the original archetypal epic heroes as defined by the ancient Greeks. He had extraordinary strength, completed impossible tasks, was beset by many obstacles, and had the ultimate reward of eternal life on Olympus.
Have students identify and depict the elements of an epic hero as they relate to Hercules.
Hercules Epic Hero
| ATTRIBUTE | DESCRIPTION | Example from Hercules Myths |
|---|---|---|
| Noble Birth | Usually a king, prince, demi-god, or nobleman of some capacity. | Hercules' father is none other than Zeus, king of the gods and lord of the sky. |
| Superhuman Capabilities | The warrior has the potential for greatness based on their attributes. | Hercules has superhuman strength that he uses regularly. For example, he defeated the invulnerable Nemean Lion with his bare hands. |
| Vast Traveler | An epic hero is known for making travels to exotic locations by choice or chance, usually to battle against evil. | Hercules literally travels to the ends of the earth to accomplish his tasks. He also journeys to the Underworld and back again. |
| Unmatched Warrior | This hero typically has a reputation for being a great warrior, even prior to the beginning of the story. | Hercules is skilled with club, bow, sword, and unarmed combat. |
| Cultural Legend | Before an Epic Hero can be universally known, he must first be a legend in his culture. | Hercules is easy to recognize with his armor made from the Nemean Lion's invulnerable pelt. |
| Humility | The hero performs great deeds for their own sake rather than glory. | To atone for the death of his family, Hercules completes the Labors given him by a lesser man. |
| Battles Supernatural Foes | The opponents and obstacles the hero faces are usually supernatural beings. | Hercules defeats many monsters before, during, and after his Twelve Labors, and he is often overcoming the obstacles sent by Hera. Monsters include the Lernaean Hydra, Kerberos, Geryon, and Nessos the centaur. |
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that shows how Hercules can be considered an epic hero.
- Identify events of the story or characteristics of Hercules that fit into attributes of an epic hero.
- Illustrate examples for Noble Birth, Superhuman Capabilities, Vast Traveler, Unmatched Warrior, Cultural Legend, Humility, and Battles Supernatural Foes.
- Write a short description below each cell that specifically relates Hercules as an epic hero.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 27 Points | Beginning 22 Points | Try Again 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Characteristics of an Epic Hero | The seven common characteristics of an epic hero are correctly identified and portrayed from the story. The quotes and/or explanations give context to the scene, and are accurate and appropriate to the characteristics being depicted. | 5-6 common characteristics of an epic hero are correctly identified and portrayed from the story. The quotes and/or explanations give context to the scene, and are mostly accurate for the characteristics being depicted. | 3-4 common characteristics of an epic hero are correctly identified and portrayed from the story. The quotes and/or explanations may be minimal or inaccurate for the characteristics being depicted. | 1-2 common characteristics of an epic hero are correctly identified and portrayed from the story. The quotes/and or explanations may be inaccurate, missing, or too limited to score. |
| Artistic Depictions | The art chosen to depict the scenes are historically appropriate to the work of literature. It is evident that the student spent a lot of time, creativity, and effort into carefully crafting each artistic depiction. | The art chosen to depict the scenes should be historically appropriate, but there may be some liberties taken that distract from the assignment. It is evident that the student stayed on task and put time and effort into crafting each artistic depiction. | Most of the art chosen to depict the scenes are historically appropriate, but there are serious deviations that cause confusion or inaccuracies. The student may not have paid much attention to detail in crafting each depiction, and there may be evidence of rushing or limited effort. | Most of the art chosen to depict the scenes are historically inappropriate, missing, or too limited to score. It is evident that the student did not put a lot of time, effort, and creativity into crafting each artistic depiction. |
| English Conventions | Ideas and quotes are organized. Displays control of grammar, usage, and mechanics. Shows careful proofreading. | Ideas and quotes are organized. Contains few errors in grammar, usage and mechanics. Shows some proofreading. | Ideas and quotes are organized. Contains errors in grammar, usage and mechanics which interfere with communication. Shows a lack of proofreading. | Contains too many errors in grammar, usage and mechanics; (and/or) errors seriously interfere with communication. Shows a lack of proofreading. |
Activity Overview
Hercules is as "epic" as heroes can get. Hercules is thought of by some as one of the greatest heroes of all time, and may have been one of the original archetypal epic heroes as defined by the ancient Greeks. He had extraordinary strength, completed impossible tasks, was beset by many obstacles, and had the ultimate reward of eternal life on Olympus.
Have students identify and depict the elements of an epic hero as they relate to Hercules.
Hercules Epic Hero
| ATTRIBUTE | DESCRIPTION | Example from Hercules Myths |
|---|---|---|
| Noble Birth | Usually a king, prince, demi-god, or nobleman of some capacity. | Hercules' father is none other than Zeus, king of the gods and lord of the sky. |
| Superhuman Capabilities | The warrior has the potential for greatness based on their attributes. | Hercules has superhuman strength that he uses regularly. For example, he defeated the invulnerable Nemean Lion with his bare hands. |
| Vast Traveler | An epic hero is known for making travels to exotic locations by choice or chance, usually to battle against evil. | Hercules literally travels to the ends of the earth to accomplish his tasks. He also journeys to the Underworld and back again. |
| Unmatched Warrior | This hero typically has a reputation for being a great warrior, even prior to the beginning of the story. | Hercules is skilled with club, bow, sword, and unarmed combat. |
| Cultural Legend | Before an Epic Hero can be universally known, he must first be a legend in his culture. | Hercules is easy to recognize with his armor made from the Nemean Lion's invulnerable pelt. |
| Humility | The hero performs great deeds for their own sake rather than glory. | To atone for the death of his family, Hercules completes the Labors given him by a lesser man. |
| Battles Supernatural Foes | The opponents and obstacles the hero faces are usually supernatural beings. | Hercules defeats many monsters before, during, and after his Twelve Labors, and he is often overcoming the obstacles sent by Hera. Monsters include the Lernaean Hydra, Kerberos, Geryon, and Nessos the centaur. |
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that shows how Hercules can be considered an epic hero.
- Identify events of the story or characteristics of Hercules that fit into attributes of an epic hero.
- Illustrate examples for Noble Birth, Superhuman Capabilities, Vast Traveler, Unmatched Warrior, Cultural Legend, Humility, and Battles Supernatural Foes.
- Write a short description below each cell that specifically relates Hercules as an epic hero.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 27 Points | Beginning 22 Points | Try Again 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Characteristics of an Epic Hero | The seven common characteristics of an epic hero are correctly identified and portrayed from the story. The quotes and/or explanations give context to the scene, and are accurate and appropriate to the characteristics being depicted. | 5-6 common characteristics of an epic hero are correctly identified and portrayed from the story. The quotes and/or explanations give context to the scene, and are mostly accurate for the characteristics being depicted. | 3-4 common characteristics of an epic hero are correctly identified and portrayed from the story. The quotes and/or explanations may be minimal or inaccurate for the characteristics being depicted. | 1-2 common characteristics of an epic hero are correctly identified and portrayed from the story. The quotes/and or explanations may be inaccurate, missing, or too limited to score. |
| Artistic Depictions | The art chosen to depict the scenes are historically appropriate to the work of literature. It is evident that the student spent a lot of time, creativity, and effort into carefully crafting each artistic depiction. | The art chosen to depict the scenes should be historically appropriate, but there may be some liberties taken that distract from the assignment. It is evident that the student stayed on task and put time and effort into crafting each artistic depiction. | Most of the art chosen to depict the scenes are historically appropriate, but there are serious deviations that cause confusion or inaccuracies. The student may not have paid much attention to detail in crafting each depiction, and there may be evidence of rushing or limited effort. | Most of the art chosen to depict the scenes are historically inappropriate, missing, or too limited to score. It is evident that the student did not put a lot of time, effort, and creativity into crafting each artistic depiction. |
| English Conventions | Ideas and quotes are organized. Displays control of grammar, usage, and mechanics. Shows careful proofreading. | Ideas and quotes are organized. Contains few errors in grammar, usage and mechanics. Shows some proofreading. | Ideas and quotes are organized. Contains errors in grammar, usage and mechanics which interfere with communication. Shows a lack of proofreading. | Contains too many errors in grammar, usage and mechanics; (and/or) errors seriously interfere with communication. Shows a lack of proofreading. |
How Tos about Hercules as an Epic Hero
How to Connect Hercules’s Epic Hero Traits to Modern-Day Heroes
Make ancient myths relevant by inviting students to compare Hercules to contemporary figures they admire. This activity helps bridge classical literature and students' lives, deepening engagement and understanding of heroic qualities in any era.
List modern heroes with diverse backgrounds
Encourage students to brainstorm real-life or fictional heroes from different cultures, genders, or fields—like athletes, activists, or scientists. Diversity makes the connections more meaningful and widens perspectives.
Identify shared epic hero attributes
Guide students to match traits such as bravery, humility, or overcoming challenges between Hercules and their chosen modern heroes. This comparison builds critical thinking and shows the timelessness of these qualities.
Create a visual comparison chart
Have students draw or digitally design a simple side-by-side chart that lists each hero and the epic traits they share. Visuals help organize thoughts and make presentations engaging for the whole class.
Discuss why these traits matter today
Facilitate a class discussion or reflection about how epic hero traits help people overcome modern challenges. This encourages deeper thinking about values, role models, and what it means to be a hero now.
Frequently Asked Questions about Hercules as an Epic Hero
What makes Hercules an epic hero?
Hercules is considered an epic hero because he possesses traits like noble birth, superhuman strength, unmatched battle skills, and humility. He completes legendary quests, battles supernatural foes, and becomes a cultural legend in Greek mythology.
How can students identify elements of an epic hero in Hercules' story?
Students can look for key attributes of epic heroes—such as noble birth, superhuman abilities, vast journeys, legendary status, humility, and fighting supernatural foes—and find examples of each in Hercules' myths, like his Labors and battles with monsters.
What are the main characteristics of an epic hero found in Hercules?
The main epic hero characteristics seen in Hercules include: noble birth (son of Zeus), superhuman strength, unmatched warrior skills, far-reaching travels, legendary cultural status, humility, and battling supernatural creatures.
Why is Hercules considered a legend in Greek mythology?
Hercules is a legend because his deeds—like completing the Twelve Labors and defeating monsters—became famous stories that shaped ancient Greek culture and inspired countless myths about heroism and strength.
What is an easy classroom activity to teach about Hercules as an epic hero?
A simple activity is to have students create a storyboard or graphic organizer showing how Hercules matches each epic hero trait, using examples from his myths and short descriptions for each attribute.
More Storyboard That Activities
Greek Mythology: The 12 Labors of Hercules
This Activity is Part of Many Teacher Guides
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