Read about why heroes from Odysseus to today continue to inspire us.
Category Archives: Heroes and Quests
Cyclops Myth Spurred by “One-Eyed” Fossils?
Greek mythology is filled with impossible events and bizarre creatures, but where did the idea of a one-eyed giant come from? Archaeologists have a theory.
Expect crocs and killers when paddling down the Congo River in a canoe
A few years ago a British adventurer completed the first solo canoe trip down the full length of Africa’s Congo River. Read about the challenges he faced.
Greta Thunberg and George Monbiot make short film on climate crisis – video
Watch this quick public service announcement with world-renowned activist Greta Thunberg as it highlights aspects of her personal quest to inspire others to take action in preserving our climate.
This classic formula can show you how to live more heroically
| Have you ever wished for a how-to guide to being a hero? Well, read about this classic formula to get you started on your own heroic quest. |
Top 5 Reasons Why Traveling Without a Plan is the Best Plan
Part of the Odyssey’s appeal is the element of surprise—would generation after generation dig into a story whose hero figures out exactly how to get where he’s planned to go and goes straight there?
Our Storied Lives: The Quest for ‘Something More’
Each of us is the hero of our own story in the making. Learn about a project meant to capture those stories, and click the link at end of the article to find out how one story turned out.
Risking It All for Science
More people have died diving in underwater caves than climbing Mt. Everest. Any error or bit of bad timing could be fatal. But these caves hold scientific treasures that many divers consider worth the risk.
MIT ‘hackers’ turn Great Dome into Captain America’s shield
Learn about a secret society of MIT pranksters and their quest to show their excitement over the release of the new Avengers movie.
Girl Scouts Take on Cyber Security
Girl Scouts earning cybersecurity badges are not only preparing to combat modern threats, they may help decrease the inequality in STEM fields.
Are you monomythic? Joseph Campbell and the hero’s journey
Read about Campbell’s theory of the hero’s journey and its affect on modern cinema.
The Road to Resilience
The American Psychological Association states that overcoming life’s obstacles requires resilience. Building up that trait is often a personal journey. This guide offers tips and advice to do so.
What makes a hero? – Matthew Winkler
What do you have in common with heroes in literature, movies, and television? It may be more than you think. Watch this short video to learn about the the hero’s journey myth.
From Nazi Germany to Australia: The Incredible True Story of History’s Longest Kayak Journey
Read about the accomplishments and setbacks of one man’s seven-year kayak trip just before the onset of World War II.
Superheroes and the Hero Monomyth: Part I
Psychology professor and police chaplain Brian Kinnaird argues for the inlucsion of comic book superheroes with the great classical heroes of mythology.
Meet the agoraphobic globetrotter who uses Street View to ‘travel’ the world
Read about a woman who explores the world with Google Streetview, using the project as an artistic outlet and to raise awareness for agoraphobia.
Odysseus’ Journey
The Odyssey is one of the most exciting stories ever told, of a long and complicated heroic journey. This interactive story map summarizes Odysseus’s journey using a modern-day map and representations in art.
Journey to Mars
Like any quest, the journey to Mars will require careful planning and many intermediate steps. Check out this timeline of stages in the process of making humans independent from our home planet.
Shackleton’s Ad – Men Wanted for Hazardous Journey
Arctic explorer Ernest Shackleton is said to have advertised for companions: “Low wages, bitter cold, long hours of complete darkness. Safe return doubtful.” But did he really?
Plan Your Own Expedition
Want to undertake your own expedition one day? The Royal Geographical Society was founded in 1830 and has supported many famous explorers, such as Sir Ernest Shackleton and Sir Edmund Hillary. Read these tips for planning a successful expedition. Then, explore the site for more information about this historic society.