EPIC POEMS

WHAT IS AN EPIC? Derives from Greek “epikos”, meaning poetic story A long narrative poem (sometimes developed orally) Among the earliest forms of literature Reveal the value of the people creating them Usually about heroic deeds

Common features of an epic “In Medias Res” (in the middle of things) Epic Hero on a Quest Supernatural Forces Valorous Deeds Elevated Style Evocation of a muse A concern with eternal human problems

Epithet in epics A word or phrase that describes a person’s attributes or qualites Grey-eyed Athena Swift-footed Achilles Star-crossed lovers Romeo and Juliet

The epic hero *Embodies national, religious and cultural ideals A hero that battles forces that threaten the world Excels in skill, strength and courage Succeeds in war and adventure Values honor and glory Usually has a guide Battles demons or monsters

Epic heroes (continued) Is generous to his followers but ruthless to enemies Is a character of action Accepts challenges and sometimes invites problems Sometimes makes rash decisions and takes unnecessary risks Meets monsters and temptations Achieves his goal

Two types of epics Folk Epics Literary Epics Arranged into larger works Written down long after they were first composed Beowulf and The Epic of Gilgamesh Composed by individual authors who drew from the conventions of folk epics Aeneid by Virgil and Paradise Lost

Examples of epic poetry The Iliad (Homer) The Odyssey (Homer) Beowulf Paradise Lost (Milton) Divine Comedy (Dante) Don Juan (Byron)