1. You have been thinking about heroes throughout this unit. But Beowulf, Hektor, and Achilleus are all ancient heroes. They represent cultures that flourished thousands of years ago. Do today’s heroes look anything like the heroes in these ancient tales? The characteristics of the epic heroes that you studied in this unit include the following:
• The hero has special qualities and is called into an adventure.
• The hero faces a significant battle, challenge, or obstacle.
• The hero is the recipient of supernatural aid (or the victim of supernatural hindrance).

What traits do all heroes share? Who would be a hero today based on the characteristics of an epic hero? Do you notice any specific differences between heroes of the past and present?