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Synthesize learning by identifying how ancient epic and tragic traditions influence modern storytelling.
Why do we keep watching the same stories? From the sands of ancient Troy to the deserts of 'Dune' or the galaxies of 'Star Wars,' we are still telling the tales of Homer and Sophocles. What if the secret to a billion-dollar blockbuster was written 3,000 years ago?
Ancient epics like the Iliad or the Ramayana aren't just old poems; they are the blueprints for modern storytelling. An Epic Hero is typically a figure of national or even cosmic importance. They possess superhuman strength or intellect but remain deeply human. Most follow the Hero’s Journey, a cycle that begins with a 'Call to Adventure' and ends with a 'Return' with a gift for their community. Today, we see this in characters like Katniss Everdeen or Harry Potter. These stories often begin In Media Res (in the middle of things), throwing the audience directly into the conflict to grab attention immediately.
Quick Check
What Latin term describes a story that starts in the middle of the action rather than at the very beginning?
Answer
In Media Res
While epics focus on grand journeys, Tragedies focus on the internal and external downfall of a high-ranking individual. The core of a tragedy is Hamartia, or the 'tragic flaw.' The most common flaw is Hubris—excessive pride that leads a character to defy the gods or the natural order. In modern film, think of a brilliant scientist who creates an AI they cannot control, or a powerful leader whose pride destroys their family. We call this the Tragic Structure: a movement from order to chaos, usually ending in a moment of 'Anagnorisis' (recognition) where the hero realizes their mistake too late.
Let's look at the movie The Lion King through an ancient lens: 1. Epic Hero: Simba, a prince of high birth (national importance). 2. The Call: Nala finds Simba and tells him the Pride Lands are suffering. 3. Supernatural Aid: The ghost of Mufasa (similar to a god intervening in the Odyssey). 4. The Return: Simba takes his place as King, restoring the 'Circle of Life' (the boon).
Quick Check
If a character's downfall is caused by their own excessive pride, what specific Greek term are they demonstrating?
Answer
Hubris
Why do we keep retelling these stories? It’s because they address the Human Condition. Ancient epics explored the tension between and . Even today, we struggle with whether our lives are determined by our DNA and upbringing (Fate) or our choices (Free Will). By using these ancient structures, modern creators tap into 'Collective Unconscious'—symbols and patterns that every human recognizes. When a modern movie uses a Mentor figure (like Gandalf or Obi-Wan), they are echoing the goddess Athena from the Odyssey.
Consider a modern 'Breaking Bad' style story using this logic: 1. The Hero: A brilliant but underappreciated teacher (). 2. The Hamartia: Pride and a desire for legacy (). 3. The Catalyst: A terminal illness (The 'Fate' element). 4. The Downfall: His actions destroy his family, leading to a lonely end ().
To create a modern epic pitch, combine these variables: - Setting: A colony on Mars (The 'Vast Setting' trope). - Hero: A low-level technician who discovers a secret (The 'Unlikely Hero'). - Epic Simile: 'As a single spark can ignite a dry forest, so did her one act of defiance set the red planet ablaze.' - The Stakes: The survival of the human race (Cosmic Importance).
Which element is a requirement for a character to be considered an 'Epic Hero'?
In the context of tragedy, what does 'Anagnorisis' represent?
The 'Mentor' trope in modern movies is a direct echo of ancient epic traditions.
Review Tomorrow
Tomorrow, try to name three modern movies and identify the 'Tragic Flaw' of the main character in each.
Practice Activity
Pick your favorite movie. Write down one way it follows the Hero's Journey and one way it uses an ancient trope like 'In Media Res' or 'Supernatural Aid.'