Heroes and Legends

The Most Influential Characters of Literature

By: Thomas A. Shippey, The Great Courses

Narrated by: Thomas A. Shippey

Odysseus. Robinson Crusoe. Harry Potter. What do these memorable characters have in common? Why do we turn to certain stories again and again? And what impact have they made on world history? These 24 eye-opening lectures give fresh insight into some of the greatest heroes in world literature, from warriors such as Beowulf and Odysseus to unexpected heroes such as Uncle Tom and Sancho Panza.

Professor Shippey gives you an inside glimpse into the writer's process. Learn how authors "write into the gap" to flesh out-or, in some cases, reimagine altogether-old stories, making them new for new readerships with different values. By examining what makes these heroes such compelling characters, you'll see how they provide a window to better understand ourselves.

From the beginnings of world literature through today's bestsellers, look at what makes characters successful-and how they reflect our changing cultural mores. For instance, after the horrors of global war in the 20th century, the world was waiting for a hero like Frodo Baggins, J.R.R. Tolkien's meek hobbit hero, someone called to duty rather than born strong and fearless.

You'll also examine ways that great heroes have changed the course of history, defining nations and redefining our sense of self and our relationships. From the mythical journey of Aeneas to Jane Austen's country dances, you'll survey a wealth of memorable stories and consider why such heroes were necessary-and how they continue to influence our lives today.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your My Library section along with the audio.

©2014 The Great Courses (P)2014 The Teaching Company, LLC

I wanted to like it, but...

This course should have been called "The Most Influential Characters in Western History" because I don't see any of the influential characters in Middle Eastern, Asian or African civilisations. And there's plenty to choose from. All characters and stories discussed take place in America, Europe or a fantasy equivalent of them.

Such a lost opportunity to really explore the world.

Excellent- don't give up on it

Since I live in Texas and so am used to Spanish pronunciation, I almost quit this course over Professor Shippey's insistence on the mispronunciation of Don Quixote. In the end, I'm so glad I didn't. I think this is the most strikingly diverse lecture on a literary subject that I have ever completed. It was very worth the irritant and I even forgive you, Prof. Well done.

A grand tour of the house of legends

Shippey takes us on a tour through myth, stories, and heroism, using reception studies methodology to explore one simple question: Why are certain heroes so successful? If you're interested in Bilbo and the Wife of Barth, Guinevere and Natty Bumppo, Huck Finn and Sherlock Holmes, then this lecture series will help you see them anew, and it may also bring out the hero in you.

An Interesting Survey

This is a survey course, I would have preferred a more in depth looks at almost any of these characters then one half hour chapter.

For what it is, it's very good and has some information that was useful, I still don't want to read Robinson Caruso and but I will try James Fennimore Cooper's Hawkeye stories.

Great clash of heroes

Narrator was amazing. He was not boring or static. He was actually pretty funny.

These lectures were very informative in the sense that they were in depth on two aspects:

Significance at the time.
Significance now.