There’s more to superheroes than a passion for truth, justice and the American Way. They appear in the myths and legends of every culture, often featuring a character whose early life is disadvantaged but who, through the abnormal development of some ability comes to represent and enact the most noble values of his tribe.
Using an encyclopedia or the internet explore the stories of Enkidu, Odysseus, Rama, Cuchullain, Finn MacCumhail, Beowulf, Robin Hood, Gawain. In a multi-cultural classroom, ask pupils to present hero-stories from their own cultures. Compile a book of ancient superheroes, comparing them with those of our own era.
The Encyclopedia Mythica - www.pan theon.orgareas - is an excellent starting point.
