1. CHARACTERISTICS OF AN EPIC

2. Epic Definition the Iliad the Odyssey
An epic is a long narrative poem that relates the great deeds of a larger-than-life hero who embodies the values of a particular society.
Beowulf
the Iliad
the Odyssey
Epic Definition

3. Epics often…
Concern eternal human problems such as the conflict between GOOD and EVIL
Written or told on a grand scale and often in ceremonial style

4. Two Types of Epics
Folk Epic- oral compositions passed on from storyteller to storyteller and has changed over time. Ex. -Beowulf, the Iliad, and the Odyssey
Literary Epic- written compositions that are unchanged over time. Ex. -Aeneid and Paradise Lost

5. Beowulf
In comparison to the standard of Homeric epics (15,000 lines) …
Beowulf is relatively short (3,200 lines)
It was probably composed (first written down) between in Old English by a monk in Scandinavia
It is thought a monk composed it due to the Christian elements in the epic

6. Epic Characteristics

7. Epic Characteristic #1
The hero is a great leader who is identified strongly with a particular people or society.

8. Epic Characteristic #2
The setting is broad and often includes supernatural realms, especially the land of the dead.

9. Epic Characteristic #3
The hero does great deeds in battle or undertakes an extraordinary journey or quest.

10. Epic Characteristic #4
Sometimes gods or other supernatural or fantastic beings take part in the action.

11. The story is told in heightened language.
Epic Characteristic #5
The story is told in heightened language.

12. EPIC CONVENTIONS

13. EPIC CONVENTIONS
Shared characteristics of epics that bards/scops drew upon to recall the stories they were recounting
writers of epics drew upon these recountings to establish the epic quality of their poems.

14. EPIC CONVENTION #1 There is an INVOCATION or formal plea for aid/help.
This plea is usually to a deity or some other spiritual power.

15. EPIC CONVENTION #2 The action begins IN MEDIA RES… Literally meaning
“in the middle of things”

16. EPIC CONVENTION #3
The epic begins in media res and then flashes back to events that took place before the narrator’s current time setting.

17. EPIC CONVENTION #4
Epic Similes- elaborately extended comparisons relating heroic events to simple, everyday events

18. EPIC CONVENTION #5 Kennings
Descriptive adjectives or phrases used repeatedly with or in place of a noun or proper name:
Whale road: the sea
Strong-hearted wakeful sleeper: Beowulf

19. HERO CHARACTERISTICS

20. Epic Hero Characteristics #1
The epic hero is a “LARGER THAN LIFE PERSON” who embodies the highest ideals of his culture

21. Beowulf as the epic hero
In Beowulf, the epic hero Beowulf is considered “larger-than-life”
He embodies LOYALTY, COURAGE, SENSE OF JUSTICE, DIGNITY, PERSISTENCE, and many other traits of the Anglo-Saxon culture

22. Epic Hero Characteristics #2
The epic hero usually undertakes a QUEST/ JOURNEY to achieve something of great value to themselves or society

23. Epic Hero Characteristics #3
Epic heroes “LIVE ON AFTER DEATH”…
meaning they are forever remembered by those who live after them…
achieving a type of IMMORTALITY

24. Epic Hero Characteristics #4
Not a “Superman” with magical powers
But a “REGULAR” human whose aspirations and accomplishments set him/her apart

25. Epic Hero Characteristics #5
Overcomes great obstacles/opponents but maintains HUMANITY

26. Epic Hero Characteristics #6
Epic hero experiences typical HUMAN EMOTIONS/ FEELINGS, yet is able to master and control these human traits to a greater degree than a typical person

27. Epic Hero Characteristics #7
It is often necessary for the epic hero to connect/make contact with “LESSER” humans in order to succeed

28. Epic Hero Characteristics #8
The epic hero is an ARCHETYPAL character.

29. Archetype
An archetype is a pattern that appears in literature across cultures and is repeated through the ages.
An archetype can be a character, a plot, an image, or a setting.
In Beowulf, the hero archetype is the dragon slayer. A hero who faces death in order to save a threatened community or person.

30. WRAP UP/REVIEW

31. Long narrative relating the deeds of larger- than-life hero
Wrap Up/Review
Define the epic
Long narrative relating the deeds of larger- than-life hero

32. Wrap Up/Review What are two types of epics? Folk: spoken
Literary: written

33. Wrap Up/Review Invocation In media res Flash back Epic simile Kennings
Do you know the 5 epic conventions?
Invocation
In media res
Flash back
Epic simile
Kennings

34. Cheese-Wagon = School Bus
Wrap Up/Review
Do you know a kenning when you see one?
Describes or replaces a name
Cheese-Wagon = School Bus

35. Wrap Up/Review A larger than life person
What are the characteristics of an epic hero?
A larger than life person
Goes on a quest or journey (can involve a battle)
Lives on after death (story, song, poems)
Regular human with great accomplishments
Maintains humanity (expresses emotions)
Has contact with lesser humans
Is an archetype

36. Wrap Up/Review
Archetype—what’s that?
Pattern in literature