Elements of the Epic Tale

Plot centers around a Hero of Unbelievable Stature  Hero is often divine or protected by the gods or God

Involves deeds of superhuman strength and valor

Vast Setting  Spans space: across land, sea, into the underworld

Involves supernatural and-or otherworldly forces.

Sustained elevation of style. Overwritten.  Overly formal, highly stylized (poetry, lyricism (singing), exaggeration)

 Poet remains objective and omniscient. The narrator sees and knows all and presents all perspectives

Epic Origins  Generally, epics are also mythologized histories.  1) A conglomeration of pre-existing stories and characters.  2) Often of oral origin.  3) At least loosely based around historical or quasi-historical characters or events or characters.  4) Set in a mythologized distant time, traditionally in the past

Extended Simile  a simile developed over several lines of verse, especially one used in an epic poem.  Example: Like the sun rising in the east, after every cold night, the girl began to smile amid her storm of grief, for she forgot she has an essay due the next day!

The Quest  a search or pursuit made in order to find or obtain something: an adventurous expedition undertaken by a knight or knights to secure or achieve something: Example: the quest of the Holy Grail.

Hero’s Task  The job or what the hero is trying to accomplish  Example:“The task of the hero is to bring new life to a dying culture.” – From “The Hero Within” by Carol S. Pearson

Myth  A myth is a traditional story, which may describe the origins of the world and/or of a people. A myth is an attempt to explain mysteries, supernatural events, and cultural traditions.