
Heroes and Legends
The Most Influential Characters of Literature
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Narrated by:
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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, LLCListeners also enjoyed...




















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Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?
Yes! The lectures are extremely informative and doesn't puresuppose very much background information at all, and the lecturer is an absolute delight.Who was your favorite character and why?
They were all extremely fascinating to hear about, but I have to admit that I really enjoyed the lecturer himself =)Any additional comments?
I wish there were another course with Shippey!The best!
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Interesting, but.......
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Professor Shippey is obviously a professional is arranging his lectures. His speak is understandable and actually enjoyable. Sounds like Gandalf from Hobbit/Lord of the Rings.
Anyway, I recommend it to anyone interested in writing, literature, or who wants to broaden their horizons.
5 stars for a subject I had no prior interest in
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Looking to get into storytelling? Start here!
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Very well done. Professor Shippey is great!
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His enthusiasm for the subject is contagious. I would glady listen to any other lectures he has done.
Any additional comments?
Each of these lectures offers important insights into the world's great works of literature and why their heroes have lived on in our hearts and imaginations. How could I not love this series when it started out with a most unlikely hero, Frodo Baggins? Shippey explains why the world needed such a hero at that time in history.
Some of the lectures share additional, unknown information about famous characters (such as Robin Hood). Others walk the listener through the character's most famous story (Odysseus). I enjoyed the variety, Shippey's expertise and his dry wit. Although the final lectures include people that I would not have selected as heroes (Celie from The Color Purple and Winston Smith from 1984, for example), Shippey argues convincingly for their importance.
This was a refresher course on books I'd already read, and whetted my appetite for some of the others, except for The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, which sounds horrific. I have my doubts about that choice, but figure it was added to appeal to 21st century readers.
Great Intro to Lit's Most Colorful Characters
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Such a lost opportunity to really explore the world.
I wanted to like it, but...
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Excellent- don't give up on it
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A grand tour of the house of legends
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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.
An Interesting Survey
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