About the book
Selected by Choice Magazine as an Outstanding Academic Title
From Odysseus to Aeneas, from Beowulf to King Arthur, from the Mahâbhârata to the Ossetian \"Nart\" tales, epic heroes and their stories have symbolized the power of the human imagination. Drawing on diverse disciplines including classics, anthropology, psychology, and literary studies, this product of twenty years' scholarship provides a detailed typology of the hero in Western myth: birth, parentage, familial ties, sexuality, character, deeds, death, and afterlife. Dean A. Miller examines the place of the hero in the physical world (wilderness, castle, prison cell) and in society (among monarchs, fools, shamans, rivals, and gods). He looks at the hero in battle and quest; at his political status; and at his relationship to established religion. The book spans Western epic traditions, including Greek, Roman, Nordic, and Celtic, as well as the Indian and Persian legacies. A large section of the book also examines the figures who modify or accompany the hero: partners, helpers (animals and sometimes monsters), foes, foils, and even antitypes. The Epic Hero provides a comprehensive and provocative guide to epic heroes, and to the richly imaginative tales they inhabit.
Editions of Epic Hero
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780801862397
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780801870941
- EBook
- ISBN 9780801877926
Read an Excerpt
Selected by Choice Magazine as an Outstanding Academic Title
From Odysseus to Aeneas, from Beowulf to King Arthur, from the Mahâbhârata to the Ossetian \"Nart\" tales, epic heroes and their stories have symbolized the power of the human imagination. Drawing on diverse disciplines including classics, anthropology, psychology, and literary studies, this product of twenty years' scholarship provides a detailed typology of the hero in Western myth: birth, parentage, familial ties, sexuality, character, deeds, death, and afterlife. Dean A. Miller examines the place of the hero in the physical world (wilderness, castle, prison cell) and in society (among monarchs, fools, shamans, rivals, and gods). He looks at the hero in battle and quest; at his political status; and at his relationship to established religion. The book spans Western epic traditions, including Greek, Roman, Nordic, and Celtic, as well as the Indian and Persian legacies. A large section of the book also examines the figures who modify or accompany the hero: partners, helpers (animals and sometimes monsters), foes, foils, and even antitypes. The Epic Hero provides a comprehensive and provocative guide to epic heroes, and to the richly imaginative tales they inhabit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Epic Hero about?
Selected by Choice Magazine as an Outstanding Academic Title
From Odysseus to Aeneas, from Beowulf to King Arthur, from the Mahâbhârata to the Ossetian \"Nart\" tales, epic heroes and their stories have symbolized the power of the human imagination. Drawing on diverse disciplines including classics, anthropology, psychology, and literary studies, this product of twenty years' scholarship provides a detailed typology of the hero in Western myth: birth, parentage, familial ties, sexuality, character, deeds, death, and afterlife. Dean A. Miller examines the place of the hero in the physical world (wilderness, castle, prison cell) and in society (among monarchs, fools, shamans, rivals, and gods). He looks at the hero in battle and quest; at his political status; and at his relationship to established religion. The book spans Western epic traditions, including Greek, Roman, Nordic, and Celtic, as well as the Indian and Persian legacies. A large section of the book also examines the figures who modify or accompany the hero: partners, helpers (animals and sometimes monsters), foes, foils, and even antitypes. The Epic Hero provides a comprehensive and provocative guide to epic heroes, and to the richly imaginative tales they inhabit.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Epic Hero?
Biography, Literature and Literary studies > Literature: history and criticism
Where can I read a sample of Epic Hero?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780801862397
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Epic Hero?
Dean A. Miller
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Epic Hero is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780801862397) and paperback(ISBN 9780801870941) and ebook(ISBN 9780801877926)
Where can I buy Epic Hero online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Epic Hero from below
Where can I buy Epic Hero?