1. Epic and Myth The Longest Journey

2. Epic A long narrative poem about a serious subject Purpose: –To entertain –To teach –To inspire with examples of how people can succeed against great odds

3. Epic Hero His primary goal is to save his nation or its people during a time of crisis –Sometimes gods take part in the action and intervene to change the course of action; sometimes they just show interest in the hero’s journey

4. Structure of the Epic Begins with an Invocation: a request to a muse to provide inspiration –Muse: one of the nine goddesses who preside over the arts and sciences; they inspire those who show talent in these areas Narrator begins telling tale in “the middle of things” Includes speeches by main characters which reveal their personalities. (What kind of characterization is this?) Formal tone and style; not conversational Figurative language is used

5. Myth A traditional story of anonymous origin. Topics: the creation of the earth; love; adventure; trickery; revenge. Oral Tradition: when stories are passed by word of mouth from one generation to the next. –This was a way of recording the past, glorifying leaders, and teaching morals and traditions to young people

6. Archetype A thing, person, or pattern of circumstances that is repeatedly in literature Example of archetypal themes: –Hidden treasure, rite of passage Example of archetypal characters: –Evil villain, lovesick suitor, the fool

7. Symbol Any person, animal, place, object, or event that exists on a literal level within the work but also represents something on a figurative level.

8. The Wedding from the Ramayana What is the symbol and what does it symbolize? Find the Archetype in this story. Who is it?