Determine what the highest qualities prized in the society are, and prove that the hero is an example of these qualities. A hero must be a great warrior, leader and posses the ability to speak with confidence and eloquence in a persuasive manner.
List the epithets used to describe the character. An epithet is a short phrase used to show the hero's possession of a highly prized quality placed either before the name or used in place of the hero's name. Odysseus was called the "master mariner" and "the great tactician," highlighting the ancient Greeks interest in seafaring and war strategy, while Beowulf is called "goldking" to show the importance the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture placed on the giving of gifts. An epic hero will have several epithets.
Identify if the hero is of noble birth, or a demi-god (one of his parents was divine or supernatural). The hero must be noble and have his or her nobility be proven through combat against a greater enemy, the Greek concept of "aristeia." Perseus's father was Zeus and his mother was a princess, Odysseus was King of Ithica, and Beowulf was a king of the Gaets.
Confirm that the hero goes on a long quest, often including a trip into the land of the dead. The purpose of the quest is usually to secure an important item needed for his or her people. This journey should test the hero's strength, courage, or intelligence. The quest must be so dangerous that no other mortal can perform the required task.
Prove that the hero faces both supernatural and natural challenges. He or she should succeed through cunning, strength or with the assistance of the supernatural world. The gods and other supernatural creatures aid the hero or act as an enemies during the quest.
Decide if the character fulfills most of the requirements for an epic hero. It is possible for a modern-day epic hero to not have one of these characteristics. Epithets are rarely used in modern-day epic works and can be overlooked when determining if the character meets the requirements of epic hero.