Dana Alexander

November 29, 2010

Period 3

The Kingdom of Heaven is an epic movie which portrays an epic hero. In this movie,
Balian de Ibelin is a simple blacksmith who becomes a hero. There are many characteristics that
Balian portrays that make him an epic hero, including; family life, a great mentor, and a mission
seeking revenge.
The first aspect of an epic hero is being an orphan. As the movie begins we immediately
find out that Balian de Ibelin was an orphan. He was not aware of who his real parents were and
as a baby he was given up. We quickly meet his real father and find out this information.
Another aspect of family life that is a characteristic of an epic hero, is a family crisis. In the first
scene of The Kingdom of Heaven, we see a dead woman being decapitated. As the movie goes
on we are informed that this was Balians wife, who committed suicide after finding her baby
boy dead. This is the basis of Balians family crisis.
The next major characteristic of an epic hero is a great mentor. In the first major scene of
the movie, we meet Godfrey de Ibelin. He informs Balian that he is his biological father and he is
here to bring him to Jerusalem. Ironically, Godfrey becomes Balians mentor. He teaches his son
how to fight, and encourages him to protect the people of Jerusalem. Godfrey, Balians father
and mentor, passes away after the first battle. He is shot with an arrow and after a few days,
passes away. Before dying he makes Balian promise him that he will continue to protect
Jerusalem and its people. Godfrey says to Balian, My son youre all that survives me, do not
disappoint me. He wants his son to do as he would, and protect Jerusalem.
The final characteristics of an epic hero revolve around a great mission. Balians great
mission involves protecting Jerusalem, its people, and saving his wifes soul from hell. His quest
Commented [1]:
This assignment required the use of media and technology
which adds to the overall learning of the students by
incorporating multimedia. This was effective in teaching us
about epic heroes while using different forms of learning and
pedagogy. Pascopella and Richardson, as well as Day,
Leahy, and Vanderslice would all approve and be pleased
with this choice in pedagogy.
Commented [2]:
Standard 1.5.12 A was reached through this paper because
there is a clear focus throughout, determining the elements of
an epic hero and relating them to the main character of the
movie The Kingdom of Heaven Audience is recognized,
my teacher, because It is written in a way that allows him to
easily pick out the elements of an epic hero by italicizing
them. If this was written for any other audience I would not
have italicized the elements of the epic hero.

Commented [3]:
Standard 1.5.12 C: Write with controlled and or subtle
organization: establish coherence within and among
paragraphs through effective transitions, parallel structures,
and similar writing techniques.

Although there is definitely clear organization and
transitions, the transitions seem too obvious and are not
subtle. This is an area that needs improvement, but
eventually as my college writing career has developed my
transitions became more subtle and better developed. This
shows my personal growth as a writer from high school to
now.


also involves him escaping from his life and finding a new world, because the people of his town
don't want him their anymore. Just like every epic hero, Balian gathers friends to help in his
quest for revenge. These friends consist of Godfrey and his men. Balian travels through the Holy
Lands, because he is struggling and doesnt know where hes going. As the men travel along
their journey they come across a force of evil who fights the men. Godfrey, Balian, and his men
fight the warriors who came to take Balian back home, for killing a priest. In this battle against
evil, Godfrey is shot by an arrow but the men win against the enemy.
After a ship wreck Balian breaks from his followers for a little while. He wanders off
alone and finds himself in a desert. In this desert he comes across two Jews who he ends up
fighting. He kills one and spared the life of the other man. Throughout his journey he wants to
give up, but he doesnt. Balian keeps moving forward because of the promise he made to himself
and Godfrey. He meets Sibylla, who quickly become Balians love interest. Although their are
struggles in their relationship, in the end of the movie, Sibylla gives up her spot as Queen, and
lives happily ever after with Balian. The movie ends with Balian saving Jerusalem by
surrendering to the Jews. He becomes the hero and they all live happily ever after.
It is easy to see by the italicized characteristics, that Balian is a true epic hero. He
struggles throughout his life, looses loved ones, meets a mentor, begins a quest, and ends up
saving the day. The Kingdom of Heaven is just another movie which portrays the true meaning
of an epic.

Commented [4]:
Standard 1.5.12 F: Use grade appropriate conventions of
language when writing and editing.

Throughout the entire paper I had a good use of the
conventions of language by spelling everything correctly,
using capital letters correctly, punctuation is done correctly,
and grammar and sentence formation are also done correctly.
Granted there may be a few errors, because no one is perfect,
but overall the conventions seem to be adequately done.