Literature
Epic
The Hero's Journey
In this module, kids explore the great narratives that have run through history, starting with the Iliad and the Odyssey and arriving at the stories that still populate books, films, comics and video games today.
Through myths, characters, trials, allies and antagonists, they learn to recognize the stages of the hero's journey and connect ancient literature to contemporary imagination. Epic storytelling becomes a tool for understanding not only stories from the past, but also how stories speak of growth, choice, fear, courage and transformation.
Hands-on activities
What we actually do.
- 01
Read and analyze selected episodes from the Iliad and the Odyssey
- 02
Recognize characters, trials, allies and antagonists
- 03
Reconstruct the stages of the hero's journey
- 04
Compare ancient myths with contemporary stories
- 05
Use cards and narrative materials to connect works, symbols and themes
Skills developed
What stays after.
By the end of the module, students take away concrete skills and experiences connected to epic.
Comprehension of epic texts
Recognizing archetypes and narrative structures
Connecting works, eras and languages
Argumentation and comparison
Creative reinterpretation
Curriculum areas involved
Want to understand how Epic fits into the Nova path?
Nova isn't a collection of separate courses: each module is part of an integrated yearly path.