Epic Poetry and Epic Heroes

Epic Poem Notes ____, _________poem written in an elevated style Recounts the deeds of a legendary or historical ____

Examples of Epics Classical:  The Epic of Gilgamesh  ___ ______  ___ _______  The Aeneid  Beowulf  The Canterbury Tales  Paradise Lost Modern:  Troy  ___ ____ __ ___ _____  Star Wars  _____ ______

Epic Hero Mythological or __________ figure Often of _______ decent Great ________ or _______

Examples of ____ Heroes: Gilgamesh Achilles Hector _________ Aeneas Beowulf

Characteristics of an Epic Poem Has its roots in oral tradition ___________is larger than life, often a legend or national/historical hero The hero’s ________, as well as his _______, are revealed The ______, often in battle, reveals the more- than-human ________ of the hero Setting covers several _______, the whole ______, or even the ________, and can include the after life

Characteristics of an Epic Poem The ________, even though they may be fictional, ________ some of the circumstances or events in the ________ of a nation or people _____ and lesser divinities play an _______ ____ in the action and outcomes All of the various adventures form an organic ______, where each event relates in some way to the central ______

Epic Hero Cycle 1. The main character is a ____ who often has ____________ abilities or qualities. 2. The hero is charged with a _____. 3. The hero is _______ often to prove the worthiness of himself and his _____. 4. Numerous ________ ______, magical and helpful _______, and human helpers and companions are present.

Epic Hero Cycle 5. The hero’s travels take him to a ____________ ______, often one that normal humans are barred from entering. 6. The cycle (or story) reaches a ___ _____ where the hero almost gives up his quest or appears ________. 7. _ ____________ (hero continues on). 8. ___________ Often this takes the form of the hero taking his rightful place on the ______.