![TOAFK - Epic Hero in "The Ill-Made Knight"](http://cdn.storyboardthat.com/storyboard-srcsets/kristy-littlehale/epic-hero-in--the-ill-made-knight-.png "TOAFK - Epic Hero in "The Ill-Made Knight"")
Activity Overview
Epic Heroes Defined
It was the Greeks who first defined the protagonist known as an epic hero. These heroes of a tragedy must evoke in the audience a sense of heroism through legendary, awe-inspiring lore. An epic hero must be a man whose fortune is brought about by his own admired characteristics. Many of the famous Greek Epics, such as The Odyssey and The Iliad, contain these larger-than-life heroes and their deeds. In “The Ill-Made Knight”, Lancelot demonstrates these characteristics throughout his adventures and personal tests, which follow the hero's journey.
Lancelot as an Epic Hero
| ATTRIBUTE | DESCRIPTION | Example from The Once and Future King |
|---|---|---|
| Noble Birth | Usually a King, Prince, Demi-God, or nobleman of some capacity. | Lancelot is the son of French King Ban of Benwick, a friend and ally of King Arthur. |
| Superhuman Capabilities | The warrior has the potential for greatness based on their attributes. | On the way to England to join Arthur’s Round Table, Lancelot is challenged by a knight dressed in black armor. He challenges young Lancelot to a tilting joust, which Lancelot easily wins. His strength and dexterity are unmatched to any other knight Arthur has seen. |
| Vast Traveler | An epic hero is known for making travels to exotic locations by choice or chance, usually to battle against evil. | In order to get away from the temptation of Guenever, Lancelot agrees to go on many quests in which he encounters evil knights, a girl trapped in boiling water, and the Holy Grail. |
| Unmatched Warrior | This hero typically has a reputation for being a great warrior, even prior to the beginning of the story. | Lancelot is so skilled in battle, that he is able to defeat men in armor with only a sword, and he manages to save Sir Bliant from attack by breaking free of his handcuffs from the cell where he was being kept. |
| Cultural Legend | Before an Epic Hero can be universally known, he must first be a legend in his culture. | Lancelot quickly becomes known as “The Best Knight in the World”, and it is this title that allows him to perform miracles. |
| Humility | The hero performs great deeds for their own sake rather than glory. | Lancelot is constantly at war with himself and believes that he is ill-made on the inside as well as on the outside, eventually going by the name, “Le Chevalier Mal Fet”, or “The Ill-Made Knight”. He never gloats, and feels constant guilt about his affair with Guenever behind Arthur’s back. |
| Battles Supernatural Foes | The opponents and obstacles the hero faces are usually supernatural beings. | Lancelot defeats and thwarts many foes, many of whom have superhuman strength, but he also manages to thwart and escape from the fairie sorceress, Morgan le Fay, who tries to trap him and make him her lover. |
Lesson Enhancement: Have students make a storyboard for each animal Arthur is turned into in “The Sword and the Stone”, and track the important characteristics of a good leader, and the importance of the lesson to his education!
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 Lancelot can be considered an epic hero.
- Identify events of the story or characteristics of Lancelot 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 Lancelot 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
Epic Heroes Defined
It was the Greeks who first defined the protagonist known as an epic hero. These heroes of a tragedy must evoke in the audience a sense of heroism through legendary, awe-inspiring lore. An epic hero must be a man whose fortune is brought about by his own admired characteristics. Many of the famous Greek Epics, such as The Odyssey and The Iliad, contain these larger-than-life heroes and their deeds. In “The Ill-Made Knight”, Lancelot demonstrates these characteristics throughout his adventures and personal tests, which follow the hero's journey.
Lancelot as an Epic Hero
| ATTRIBUTE | DESCRIPTION | Example from The Once and Future King |
|---|---|---|
| Noble Birth | Usually a King, Prince, Demi-God, or nobleman of some capacity. | Lancelot is the son of French King Ban of Benwick, a friend and ally of King Arthur. |
| Superhuman Capabilities | The warrior has the potential for greatness based on their attributes. | On the way to England to join Arthur’s Round Table, Lancelot is challenged by a knight dressed in black armor. He challenges young Lancelot to a tilting joust, which Lancelot easily wins. His strength and dexterity are unmatched to any other knight Arthur has seen. |
| Vast Traveler | An epic hero is known for making travels to exotic locations by choice or chance, usually to battle against evil. | In order to get away from the temptation of Guenever, Lancelot agrees to go on many quests in which he encounters evil knights, a girl trapped in boiling water, and the Holy Grail. |
| Unmatched Warrior | This hero typically has a reputation for being a great warrior, even prior to the beginning of the story. | Lancelot is so skilled in battle, that he is able to defeat men in armor with only a sword, and he manages to save Sir Bliant from attack by breaking free of his handcuffs from the cell where he was being kept. |
| Cultural Legend | Before an Epic Hero can be universally known, he must first be a legend in his culture. | Lancelot quickly becomes known as “The Best Knight in the World”, and it is this title that allows him to perform miracles. |
| Humility | The hero performs great deeds for their own sake rather than glory. | Lancelot is constantly at war with himself and believes that he is ill-made on the inside as well as on the outside, eventually going by the name, “Le Chevalier Mal Fet”, or “The Ill-Made Knight”. He never gloats, and feels constant guilt about his affair with Guenever behind Arthur’s back. |
| Battles Supernatural Foes | The opponents and obstacles the hero faces are usually supernatural beings. | Lancelot defeats and thwarts many foes, many of whom have superhuman strength, but he also manages to thwart and escape from the fairie sorceress, Morgan le Fay, who tries to trap him and make him her lover. |
Lesson Enhancement: Have students make a storyboard for each animal Arthur is turned into in “The Sword and the Stone”, and track the important characteristics of a good leader, and the importance of the lesson to his education!
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 Lancelot can be considered an epic hero.
- Identify events of the story or characteristics of Lancelot 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 Lancelot 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 The Epic Hero in "The Ill-Made Knight"
How to Teach the Epic Hero’s Journey Using Modern Examples
Connect the concept of epic heroes to students' lives by using modern characters from movies or books. This helps students relate to the traits discussed and makes lessons more engaging.
Choose a modern hero familiar to your class
Pick a character from popular culture, such as Harry Potter or Katniss Everdeen, that most students know. Familiar figures allow students to easily identify heroic traits.
List epic hero traits as a class
Work together to write traits like noble birth or humility on the board. This activates prior knowledge and sets clear expectations for the activity.
Compare the modern hero to Lancelot
Ask students to match each trait to both Lancelot and the chosen modern hero. This side-by-side comparison deepens understanding of the epic hero archetype.
Create a visual chart or storyboard
Have students illustrate or map out similarities and differences. Visuals make abstract concepts more concrete and support varied learners.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Epic Hero in \"The Ill-Made Knight\"
What makes Lancelot an epic hero in 'The Ill-Made Knight'?
Lancelot is considered an epic hero in 'The Ill-Made Knight' because he demonstrates traits like noble birth, superhuman abilities, unmatched skill in battle, humility, and the courage to face supernatural foes. These qualities align with the classical definition of an epic hero found in ancient Greek traditions.
What are the main characteristics of an epic hero shown by Lancelot?
Lancelot exhibits key epic hero characteristics such as noble birth, superhuman strength, vast travels, a legendary reputation, humility, and the ability to battle supernatural foes. Each trait is highlighted through his actions and challenges in the story.
How can students create a storyboard to show Lancelot as an epic hero?
Students can make a storyboard by identifying major events or characteristics that showcase Lancelot's epic hero traits, such as his noble birth or battles with supernatural foes. Each scene should illustrate a trait and include a brief description linking it to Lancelot's journey.
Why is humility important in Lancelot’s characterization as an epic hero?
Humility sets Lancelot apart as an epic hero because he performs great deeds not for glory, but from a sense of duty. He struggles with guilt and never boasts, which adds depth to his heroism and makes his journey more relatable to readers.
What activities help students understand the epic hero traits in 'The Once and Future King'?
To help students explore epic hero traits, teachers can assign activities like creating storyboards of Lancelot's journey, tracking examples of noble birth, courage, and humility, or comparing Lancelot to other epic heroes from literature.
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