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Activity Overview
Template and Class Instructions
Rubric

Activity Overview


The Epic of Gilgamesh is a perfect way for students to examine the common template for adventure stories known as a ”Hero’s Journey”. This is a recurring pattern of stages many heroes undergo over the course of their stories. Joseph Campbell, an American mythologist, writer, and lecturer, articulated this cycle after researching and reviewing numerous myths and stories from a variety of time periods and regions of the world. He found that they all share fundamental principles. This led to the Hero’s Journey, also known as the Monomyth.


Students can create a storyboard that highlights the three main features of a hero's journey: the ordinary world, crossing the threshold and atonement. Teachers can extend this activity to have students create a storyboard that includes all twelve stages if desired! Teachers can add as many templates to an assignment as they wish to differentiate and provide students' choices.


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

Use the story of The Epic of Gilgamesh and map it to the narrative structure of the Hero's Journey.


  1. Click “Start Assignment”.
  2. Create a storyboard about The Epic of Gilgamesh that highlights the three main features of a hero's journey: the ordinary world, crossing the threshold and atonement.
  3. Include descriptions and appropriate illustrations for each element of the hero's journey.

Lesson Plan Reference

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Rubric

(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)


Heroic Journey Rubric
Exemplary
20 Points
Proficient
17 Points
Commendable
13 Points
Try Again
10 Points
Content
  • Stages and steps of the hero's journey are exemplary and applied to the hero clearly, precisely, and correctly.
  • Knowledge and examples of the archetypal hero are evident.
  • Abundant examples are used to support claims.
  • Most stages and steps of the hero's journey are accurately applied to the hero.
  • Strong knowledge of the archetypal hero is apparent, and some traits, but not all, are applied.
  • Many examples are used to support claims.
  • Some stages and steps of the hero's journey are accurately applied to their hero.
  • Some knowledge of the archetypal hero is evident and has been applied, but is not sufficient.
  • Some examples are used to support claims.
  • Stages and steps of the hero's journey are inaccurately applied to their hero, or not enough stages are incorporated.
  • A little knowledge of the archetypal hero is evident.
  • Few to no examples are used to support claims.
  • Organization
  • Stages and steps of the hero's journey are in a logical order
  • Elements are clearly labeled
  • Images are used and convey the idea perfectly
  • Many stages and steps of the hero's journey are in proper order.
  • Most picture panels are accurately labeled.
  • Some images may not be clear or complete representations
  • Some stages or steps of the hero's journey are out of order.
  • Many panels have NOT been labeled with the appropriate element of the journey.
  • Images are missing, unclear, or require explanation.
  • Many stages and steps of the hero's journey are confused or completely out of order.
  • Storyboard pictures have not been labeled with the elements of the journey.
  • Few images are used, or storyboard is disorganized.
  • Visual Elements
    All pictures demonstrate effort, are attention-grabbing, and clearly communicate visually the corresponding element of the hero's journey.
    Many pictures show effort and clearly communicate how an element of the hero's journey is present in the story.
    Some pictures appear rushed, or are uninteresting. Connections to elements of the hero's journey are non-obvious, or unclear.
    Few pictures appear. The storyboard appears rushed, or unfinished. The connections and elements are very unclear.
    Conventions
    There are only minor errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, or usage, if any.
    There are few errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, or usage.
    There are many errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, or usage.
    There are abundant errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, or usage that detract from the work.
    Creativity/Effort
    This Storyboard could be used as an exemplary model, and is one of the most outstanding projects produced.
    Creativity is evident, and the finished product is admirable.
    Creativity and effort are lacking. Extra help was needed.
    Creativity and effort are lacking. Extra help was needed.


    How To Help Students Write a Modern Adaptation of an Epic or a Hero’s Journey

    1

    Discuss Elements of Epic

    In order to help students write an epic, it is important to discuss with them the elements that are part of an epic. Teachers can list down these elements and discuss them in detail one by one. Guide the students on how they can make these elements more relevant for modern audiences while still keeping the essence of an epic.

    2

    Use an Example

    Once the students are more familiar with the elements of an epic or Hero’s journey, teachers can ask them to read an epic and guide them on how it can be converted into a modern journey. This will help students analyze the process and come up with new ideas for their own projects.

    3

    Incorporate Technology

    Encourage the students to use technology and modern concepts and ideas in their own epic. This will make the project more relevant to today’s society and depict a more appropriate picture. Students can also compare and analyze themes present in different epics and use them as inspiration for their own creative writing.

    4

    Foster Creativity

    Creating modern adaptations for old literature writings requires a lot of effort and creativity on behalf of the students. Teachers can guide the students through this process and engage them in exercises that can help them foster creativity and improve critical thinking skills.

    5

    Reflect and Review

    After finishing the assignment, ask students to consider the process of bringing a traditional epic or hero's journey into the contemporary day. Talk about the lessons they learned about cultural change, storytelling, and the ongoing impact of these classic stories.

    Frequently Asked Questions About the Epic of Gilgamesh Hero's Journey

    What elements of Epic are present in the Hero’s Journey in the Epic of Gilgamesh?

    As in a traditional hero's journey, Gilgamesh encounters friends and foes, faces obstacles, changes as a person, and eventually pursues immortality and knowledge. All these elements make Gilgamesh’s journey more interesting and help in the development of prominent themes.

    For what reason does the Epic of Gilgamesh feature a Cedar Forest?

    An emblem of the valiant quest is the Cedar Forest. It is at this crucial point in Gilgamesh's quest that he and Enkidu walk into the forest to kill Humbaba, the gatekeeper.

    What is the significance of mortality and immortality throughout Gilgamesh’s journey?

    In the epic, Gilgamesh's search for immortality and his fear of dying are extensively explored. In the end, he finds that accepting death and leaving a lasting legacy is essential to living a meaningful life. These themes impart important messages that are still relevant in the modern day.




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