A Journey of Epic Proportions
Like the Of Mice and Men project, A Journey of Epic Proportions was opened with the reading of a novel. The Odyssey, which was themed around an epic hero, Odysseus, King of Ithaca. This man journeyed to many places and encountered battles with various monsters. Watching over Odysseus and trying to return him to his home safely, were gods. In Ancient Greece it was believed that there was a god for almost everything. Night and day, love and justice, you name it, there's a god for it.
As for the project, we were put into groups of four to create and Epic. Each of the group members was responsible for creating one book in the Epic. In this book, we would be an epic hero, making each of us the hero of our own story. Then each book was put in order; 1 - 2 - 3 - 4. It was our choice on how long we wanted the Epic to be, but there was a minimum of 4 books per group. As well as literature, each book required a cover page. This would include a picture of each Epic hero that could be photoshopped to place the characters in dangerous situations, according to the theme of their Epic. Once each book was in order, we bound the books, making many copies that could be passed around and read among other students, friends and family.
As for the project, we were put into groups of four to create and Epic. Each of the group members was responsible for creating one book in the Epic. In this book, we would be an epic hero, making each of us the hero of our own story. Then each book was put in order; 1 - 2 - 3 - 4. It was our choice on how long we wanted the Epic to be, but there was a minimum of 4 books per group. As well as literature, each book required a cover page. This would include a picture of each Epic hero that could be photoshopped to place the characters in dangerous situations, according to the theme of their Epic. Once each book was in order, we bound the books, making many copies that could be passed around and read among other students, friends and family.
Epic Front Cover
Individual - Book V
The Fly Trap
After a treacherous battle between the two new friends and the aggressive Poison Ivy, Megalee and Tressanica made their way to where the Ear Buds were located in Ceebadica. With Tressanica’s infection spreading throughout her body, she was becoming weaker and weaker with every step. Megalee knew that she would have to battle Venus, the Fly Trap herself. Legend has it that if Venus is put to a complete rest, his blood can cure any of the injuries caused by Poison Ivy, due to their marital bond. This meant that defeating Venus would not only provide Megalee and Tressanica with the Ear Buds needed to bring down Hades, but it would ensure Tressanica’s safety for the remainder of their journey.
As they steadily approached their destination with the pink and orange sunset behind them, they could barely make out the shape of a prickly plant who’s enormity was astounding. The faint sound of its sharp teeth ravenously gnawing on the remains of its latest meal were echoing between the cliffs on either side of the frightened girls. Suddenly all became silent as Venus sited Megalee and Tressanica. Carelessly releasing the chewed animal from his jaws, Venus focused all of his attention on the intruders at hand.
The friends exchanged concerned looks and then progressed towards their next challenge. Tressanica was losing her ability to walk which only confirmed Megalee’s fears. When the two were approximately three yards out of Venus’s reach, they set their long boards in the thick grass that was beneath them. As Tressanica positioned herself in such a way that she could roll in the opposite direction of any danger, Megalee assessed the situation at hand. Venus’s great head was elevated about thirty feet above the ground. The prickly shell around his mouth was enclosing stained teeth, each the size of a grown man’s calves. Below the mouth was a thick, muscular stem that stretched the length of it’s body. Connecting Venus to the ground were three extensive leaves that seemed to be as sharp as razor blades. Just behind his full body, was a tiny flower that contained the Ear Buds. With the mindset that there was only one way to retrieve the flower, Megalee gripped the knife kept in her boot and aggressively approached the Fly Trap.
Venus’s first swing was inaccurate and nothing but pure air was displaced by the stem that was abundant in weight, knocking Megalee to the ground. Quickly regaining her strength, she leaped to her feet and braced herself for the next blow. As if Venus’s appearance weren’t intimidating enough, he let out a deafening wail that could be heard across the surrounding Kingdoms. Megalee enhanced her speed towards the core of Venus with the knife braced so tight that the skin covering her knuckles turned a strong shade of pale.
Looking back at Tressanica, who was now incapable of holding her head above the ground, Megalee’s mindset changed from fearful to vengeful in a split second. Venus’s jaws came just inches above her head, once again releasing a deadly screech along with saliva carrying the scent of digested flesh. In an act of desperation, she leaped on top of Venus’s stem, just below his head and drove the knife into his spike covered neck. Venus let out a pain permeated cry and began to thrash his head from side to side. Megalee straddled his stem with her body and perilously continued to slice the neck of the Fly Trap in hopes of killing it completely.
After a horrifying three minutes of the repeated slashing, the stem finally gave way and Venus’s head and partial stem began to tip with Megalee atop it. The pained head created an obstreperous crash as it collided with the ground, crushing a number of bones in Megalee’s left hand. She let out a agonized scream and writhed in pain for a few minutes before regaining the composure that she could barely locate in her body. Then she scooped blood from the carcass of the Fly Trap and quickly brought it to Tressanica to drink in hopes that it was not too late to heal her from Poison Ivy’s infection. While she waited for her friend to recuperate, Megalee sprinted towards the flower that was inspiring battle and quickly plucked it from the ground.
Megalee returned to her friend, unbelievably relieved to find that Tressanica had started to heal. Glancing over her body, Megalee could see that Tressanica’s previously shriveled skin had regained its glow and natural perspiration. Cheeks that were rigid enough to see the skin stretching tightly over the bone were now full and rosy. The sight that brought the most joy to Megalee was the bite would that hoped to send death throughout her friends body.She watched as skin seemingly magnetized itself together over the bloody gash. Tressanica was no doubt regaining her astonishing strength and would continue to do so at a rapid speed. The two rejoiced momentarily and then positioned themselves on their long boards in the direction of Fallbithia, for ahead of them waited the most essential encounter that anyone would ever experience.
After a treacherous battle between the two new friends and the aggressive Poison Ivy, Megalee and Tressanica made their way to where the Ear Buds were located in Ceebadica. With Tressanica’s infection spreading throughout her body, she was becoming weaker and weaker with every step. Megalee knew that she would have to battle Venus, the Fly Trap herself. Legend has it that if Venus is put to a complete rest, his blood can cure any of the injuries caused by Poison Ivy, due to their marital bond. This meant that defeating Venus would not only provide Megalee and Tressanica with the Ear Buds needed to bring down Hades, but it would ensure Tressanica’s safety for the remainder of their journey.
As they steadily approached their destination with the pink and orange sunset behind them, they could barely make out the shape of a prickly plant who’s enormity was astounding. The faint sound of its sharp teeth ravenously gnawing on the remains of its latest meal were echoing between the cliffs on either side of the frightened girls. Suddenly all became silent as Venus sited Megalee and Tressanica. Carelessly releasing the chewed animal from his jaws, Venus focused all of his attention on the intruders at hand.
The friends exchanged concerned looks and then progressed towards their next challenge. Tressanica was losing her ability to walk which only confirmed Megalee’s fears. When the two were approximately three yards out of Venus’s reach, they set their long boards in the thick grass that was beneath them. As Tressanica positioned herself in such a way that she could roll in the opposite direction of any danger, Megalee assessed the situation at hand. Venus’s great head was elevated about thirty feet above the ground. The prickly shell around his mouth was enclosing stained teeth, each the size of a grown man’s calves. Below the mouth was a thick, muscular stem that stretched the length of it’s body. Connecting Venus to the ground were three extensive leaves that seemed to be as sharp as razor blades. Just behind his full body, was a tiny flower that contained the Ear Buds. With the mindset that there was only one way to retrieve the flower, Megalee gripped the knife kept in her boot and aggressively approached the Fly Trap.
Venus’s first swing was inaccurate and nothing but pure air was displaced by the stem that was abundant in weight, knocking Megalee to the ground. Quickly regaining her strength, she leaped to her feet and braced herself for the next blow. As if Venus’s appearance weren’t intimidating enough, he let out a deafening wail that could be heard across the surrounding Kingdoms. Megalee enhanced her speed towards the core of Venus with the knife braced so tight that the skin covering her knuckles turned a strong shade of pale.
Looking back at Tressanica, who was now incapable of holding her head above the ground, Megalee’s mindset changed from fearful to vengeful in a split second. Venus’s jaws came just inches above her head, once again releasing a deadly screech along with saliva carrying the scent of digested flesh. In an act of desperation, she leaped on top of Venus’s stem, just below his head and drove the knife into his spike covered neck. Venus let out a pain permeated cry and began to thrash his head from side to side. Megalee straddled his stem with her body and perilously continued to slice the neck of the Fly Trap in hopes of killing it completely.
After a horrifying three minutes of the repeated slashing, the stem finally gave way and Venus’s head and partial stem began to tip with Megalee atop it. The pained head created an obstreperous crash as it collided with the ground, crushing a number of bones in Megalee’s left hand. She let out a agonized scream and writhed in pain for a few minutes before regaining the composure that she could barely locate in her body. Then she scooped blood from the carcass of the Fly Trap and quickly brought it to Tressanica to drink in hopes that it was not too late to heal her from Poison Ivy’s infection. While she waited for her friend to recuperate, Megalee sprinted towards the flower that was inspiring battle and quickly plucked it from the ground.
Megalee returned to her friend, unbelievably relieved to find that Tressanica had started to heal. Glancing over her body, Megalee could see that Tressanica’s previously shriveled skin had regained its glow and natural perspiration. Cheeks that were rigid enough to see the skin stretching tightly over the bone were now full and rosy. The sight that brought the most joy to Megalee was the bite would that hoped to send death throughout her friends body.She watched as skin seemingly magnetized itself together over the bloody gash. Tressanica was no doubt regaining her astonishing strength and would continue to do so at a rapid speed. The two rejoiced momentarily and then positioned themselves on their long boards in the direction of Fallbithia, for ahead of them waited the most essential encounter that anyone would ever experience.
Individual Challenge Option - Book VI
Sync
Tressanica and Megalee finally reached Fallbithia with the sun far beneath the horizon. As they took in the sight what was before them, their eyes quickly spotted Adrithicus approaching from the opposite direction, Pod in hand . . . alone. When the three were in contact they hugged as though it had been twenty years since their last encounter. The friends stood in darkness with only the light that shown down from the moon and stars above them. Adrithicus shared the news of Hectagor’s tragic passing and the challenges previous to the sad event. After mourning, Tressanica and Megalee informed him of their own encounters as well. Knowing that each of them had succeeded in their venture, the three braced themselves for what was to come.
Meanwhile, Hades had caught word of the group’s plot and was not going to certify the actions of three ludicrous mortals. He then summoned his personal minions and ordered them to attack Tressanica, Megalee and Adrithicus at once. Expecting no less than a prolonged and bloody death for each of them, he relaxed himself and waited for news of their defeat.
With minions no where in sight, Megalee, Tressanica and Adrithicus established a plan that would bring them close to Hades. Each member of the brave group knew the dangers that were before them. Surrounded by mountains with the appearance of burnt charcoal, they took their positions on the dry, cracked dirt beneath them. Entering into this battlefield was equivalent to walking straight down into the Underworld, unprotected. Despite the fears with which each of them were undoubtedly struggling, their plan commenced.
In the distance, they could make out the shape of Hades’ minions rapidly approaching their location. Along with the disturbing image, the army brought with them the stench of dry blood that filled the air with a rusted metallic scent. Megalee took the Pod from Adrithicus, careful not to upset her angry hand, and secured it in her boot, along with the Ear Buds. She then positioned herself to kneel in front of Tressanica on one of the long boards and grasped the floor tightly. With Tressanica acting as the motor, the two sped off towards their deadly opponents.
Simultaneously, Adrithicus fetched the bow and arrows that he salvaged from the soccer battle and began to string it. He expelled arrow after arrow towards the minions with great strength and as they advanced, his shots became more accurate. He easily killed off half of the devilish creatures before Tressanica and Megalee reached the three quarter point. Before the two girls was a line of monstrous minions anticipating their approach. No solution for this occurrence could seem to enter the minds of Tressanica or Megalee.
As the girls searched their brains desperately for a solution, the demons anger increased like a fire that continued to be stoked. Hopeful that one had created a plan, the two looked desperately at one another, only to discover looks of defeat. Megalee and Tressanica faced forward, bracing themselves for death. When every shred of hope had escaped their bodies, a shining figure came towards them at an unbelievable speed. The electrifying light made its way through the center of the line up and Megalee advised Tressanica to follow close behind. The two watched in amazement as the figure, who looked to be a god, side stepped in an out of the creatures, slashing them one by one. Almost effortlessly, it danced its way around where the demons were standing until all but one had fallen. In a stand off, the glowing god moved his his body in a way that mesmerized his opponent. In a flash, the demon was bleeding from its nose and soon after, fell to the ground, causing a cloud of dirt to disperse throughout the air. Tressanica and Megalee rejoiced and then, realizing what they must do, took off for Hades.
Hades’ domain was an unimaginable sight. Standing at the edge of the battlefield, Tressanica and Megalee stood, staring at a cave that was so high in stature, it was hard to believe the world continued beyond its feet. They carried forward with their last task and entered the dark cave. At this point, Hades was expecting the two. Now more enraged then he was at first word of the mortals’ schemes, he appeared to them.
“I have been expecting you,” Hades began, “Though it is unacceptable that you have entered my abode, I am prepared to present you with a quick, painless death in exchange for the Pod of which you so barbarously gained possession.”
Taken back by their first sight of the Underworld Lord, Megalee and Tressanica trembled in fear. Megalee could see that this brewed the thought in Hades’ mind that they would easily agree to this arrangement. With the mindset that death was not an option Megalee began to converse with Hades.
“Hades! I too cannot believe the disrespect we have directed at you by entering your asylum without invitation. I also admit guilt for having participated in the death of your companions. It is without doubt that you are angry with us. However, we rushed to bring you the Pod that you so desire. We apologize for not arriving sooner. You see, we traveled through Ceebadica to retrieve Ear Buds so that you would have versatility with your listening capabilities.”
With this, Hades seemed both shocked and pleased. He then ordered Megalee to bring forth the Pod and Ear Buds. She did so, connecting them before they became visible from her boot. As Megalee took this to Hades, Tressanica spotted Adrithicus, bow in hand, peering into the cave, and motioned for him to stay in place. Hades inspected the devices and then proceeded to put one Ear Bud into his ear. A look of relief spread across Adrithicus’s face, for he knew that the Ear Bud had found its eternal location. Hades then placed the other Ear Bud in his remaining ear and began to relax himself as heavy metal played through the tiny flowers.
Megalee and Tressanica then ran the fastest they could towards the opening of the cave, pleased to notice that Hades was too occupied with his new entertainment to notice their descent. As they joined Adrithicus on the final escape, a relief spread amongst them, knowing that they had saved lives. The glowing light returned and was running beside the group. It identified itself as Hectagor, who had turned into an angel and was guarding the trio’s safe return to Nocor.
After days of travel, Megalee, Adrithicus and Tressanica reached home. Here they rejoiced with their fellow villagers and began to share their adventures. They told tales of Poison Ivy, Venus the Fly Trap, Hades Elite and their final encounter. The community took refuge in the actuality that Hades would never have an effect on the Kingdom again. For everyone was aware that due to the bravery of Tressanica, Adrithicus, Hectagor and Megalee, Hades was doomed to an eternity of heavy metal permeating the soft, grey tissues of his brain.
Tressanica and Megalee finally reached Fallbithia with the sun far beneath the horizon. As they took in the sight what was before them, their eyes quickly spotted Adrithicus approaching from the opposite direction, Pod in hand . . . alone. When the three were in contact they hugged as though it had been twenty years since their last encounter. The friends stood in darkness with only the light that shown down from the moon and stars above them. Adrithicus shared the news of Hectagor’s tragic passing and the challenges previous to the sad event. After mourning, Tressanica and Megalee informed him of their own encounters as well. Knowing that each of them had succeeded in their venture, the three braced themselves for what was to come.
Meanwhile, Hades had caught word of the group’s plot and was not going to certify the actions of three ludicrous mortals. He then summoned his personal minions and ordered them to attack Tressanica, Megalee and Adrithicus at once. Expecting no less than a prolonged and bloody death for each of them, he relaxed himself and waited for news of their defeat.
With minions no where in sight, Megalee, Tressanica and Adrithicus established a plan that would bring them close to Hades. Each member of the brave group knew the dangers that were before them. Surrounded by mountains with the appearance of burnt charcoal, they took their positions on the dry, cracked dirt beneath them. Entering into this battlefield was equivalent to walking straight down into the Underworld, unprotected. Despite the fears with which each of them were undoubtedly struggling, their plan commenced.
In the distance, they could make out the shape of Hades’ minions rapidly approaching their location. Along with the disturbing image, the army brought with them the stench of dry blood that filled the air with a rusted metallic scent. Megalee took the Pod from Adrithicus, careful not to upset her angry hand, and secured it in her boot, along with the Ear Buds. She then positioned herself to kneel in front of Tressanica on one of the long boards and grasped the floor tightly. With Tressanica acting as the motor, the two sped off towards their deadly opponents.
Simultaneously, Adrithicus fetched the bow and arrows that he salvaged from the soccer battle and began to string it. He expelled arrow after arrow towards the minions with great strength and as they advanced, his shots became more accurate. He easily killed off half of the devilish creatures before Tressanica and Megalee reached the three quarter point. Before the two girls was a line of monstrous minions anticipating their approach. No solution for this occurrence could seem to enter the minds of Tressanica or Megalee.
As the girls searched their brains desperately for a solution, the demons anger increased like a fire that continued to be stoked. Hopeful that one had created a plan, the two looked desperately at one another, only to discover looks of defeat. Megalee and Tressanica faced forward, bracing themselves for death. When every shred of hope had escaped their bodies, a shining figure came towards them at an unbelievable speed. The electrifying light made its way through the center of the line up and Megalee advised Tressanica to follow close behind. The two watched in amazement as the figure, who looked to be a god, side stepped in an out of the creatures, slashing them one by one. Almost effortlessly, it danced its way around where the demons were standing until all but one had fallen. In a stand off, the glowing god moved his his body in a way that mesmerized his opponent. In a flash, the demon was bleeding from its nose and soon after, fell to the ground, causing a cloud of dirt to disperse throughout the air. Tressanica and Megalee rejoiced and then, realizing what they must do, took off for Hades.
Hades’ domain was an unimaginable sight. Standing at the edge of the battlefield, Tressanica and Megalee stood, staring at a cave that was so high in stature, it was hard to believe the world continued beyond its feet. They carried forward with their last task and entered the dark cave. At this point, Hades was expecting the two. Now more enraged then he was at first word of the mortals’ schemes, he appeared to them.
“I have been expecting you,” Hades began, “Though it is unacceptable that you have entered my abode, I am prepared to present you with a quick, painless death in exchange for the Pod of which you so barbarously gained possession.”
Taken back by their first sight of the Underworld Lord, Megalee and Tressanica trembled in fear. Megalee could see that this brewed the thought in Hades’ mind that they would easily agree to this arrangement. With the mindset that death was not an option Megalee began to converse with Hades.
“Hades! I too cannot believe the disrespect we have directed at you by entering your asylum without invitation. I also admit guilt for having participated in the death of your companions. It is without doubt that you are angry with us. However, we rushed to bring you the Pod that you so desire. We apologize for not arriving sooner. You see, we traveled through Ceebadica to retrieve Ear Buds so that you would have versatility with your listening capabilities.”
With this, Hades seemed both shocked and pleased. He then ordered Megalee to bring forth the Pod and Ear Buds. She did so, connecting them before they became visible from her boot. As Megalee took this to Hades, Tressanica spotted Adrithicus, bow in hand, peering into the cave, and motioned for him to stay in place. Hades inspected the devices and then proceeded to put one Ear Bud into his ear. A look of relief spread across Adrithicus’s face, for he knew that the Ear Bud had found its eternal location. Hades then placed the other Ear Bud in his remaining ear and began to relax himself as heavy metal played through the tiny flowers.
Megalee and Tressanica then ran the fastest they could towards the opening of the cave, pleased to notice that Hades was too occupied with his new entertainment to notice their descent. As they joined Adrithicus on the final escape, a relief spread amongst them, knowing that they had saved lives. The glowing light returned and was running beside the group. It identified itself as Hectagor, who had turned into an angel and was guarding the trio’s safe return to Nocor.
After days of travel, Megalee, Adrithicus and Tressanica reached home. Here they rejoiced with their fellow villagers and began to share their adventures. They told tales of Poison Ivy, Venus the Fly Trap, Hades Elite and their final encounter. The community took refuge in the actuality that Hades would never have an effect on the Kingdom again. For everyone was aware that due to the bravery of Tressanica, Adrithicus, Hectagor and Megalee, Hades was doomed to an eternity of heavy metal permeating the soft, grey tissues of his brain.
Epic Back Cover
Reflection
How did this story qualify as an epic?
All of the books combined are what qualifies this novel as an epic. Each individual book is focused on a central heroic figure. As far as the basic requirements of an epic, the novel contains gods, mythical powers and a challenge which four heros overcome.
How did it relate to the Odyssey?
The epic that we were basing our novel off of was The Odyssey. Our epic is similar to this one in that it is focused on a hero who travels with his "crew" to save the people and places that he cares about. Also, in the Odyssey, Odysseus is visited by gods and prophets who guide him down the correct path, which is also included in our epic.
Individual Epic Hero description. . .
My individual hero is based on me as a person. I transfered my characteristics and the things I'm interested into my character. Megalee embodied two Greek values; loyalty and ingenuity. Her loyalty was shown in this novel while working with Tressanica to defeat their challenges with Poison Ivy and Venus. When Tressanica was beginning to die of an infection, Megalee could have left her for dead, making her trip easier. Instead she risked her own life to save her partner's. As far as ingenuity, when she was facing Hades, she was quick to create a conversational deviation which would encourage Hades to take the Pod and Headphones from her, without any harm to her and her crew.
Individual and Group Process. . .
The very first day of the project our group decided what we wanted our "theme" to be. After that was chosen we started creating finer details of each book and assigned certain challenges that each author had to cover. After each of us created a first draft, we read the book from cover to cover making sure that all facts and details were cooperating between the books. After editing to make our final copy, we decided what we wanted our covers to look like. The final was of each character holding a prop that they used during the epic. Mine was a long board and an iPod/Ear Buds. Personally I wanted to do a challenge option... I chose to write an extra book - Book VI. I was really excited about this challenge option because I got to write about the final battle that included every character, even Hades. I'm really proud of our final epic. I think that the main purpose of this project was to show our understanding of Greek values and the Odyssey itself as well as work in groups, combining each of our ideas to create a constant story line.