Epic Poetry Obj: I will learn the elements of an epic poem

What is an Epic An epic is a long narrative poem celebrating the adventures and achievements of a hero... epics deal with the traditions, mythical or historical, of a nation.

Characteristics of the Epic Poem Main character: larger than life hero, often subject of legend or a national hero Hero is charged with a quest He is tested, often to prove worthiness. Often presence of mythical helpers or beings

Characteristics - Continued Hero’s travels can take him all over the world or to mythical places There is usually a low point where the hero almost gives up A resurrection Restitution. Takes his rightful place

The Illiad The poem concerns events during the tenth and final year in the siege of the city of Ilion or Troy, by the Greeks.

The Odyssey The poem is, in part, a sequel to Homer’s Iliad and mainly centers on the Greek hero Odysseus and his long journey home to Ithaca following the fall of Troy. It takes Odysseus ten years to reach his kingdom of Ithica after the ten-year Trojan War.

Gilgamesh The essential story revolves around the relationship between Gilgamesh, a king who has become distracted and disheartened by his rule, and a friend, Enkidu, who is half-wild and who undertakes dangerous quests with Gilgamesh. Much of the epic focuses on Gilgamesh’s thoughts of loss following Enkidu’s death.

Processing Divide your left side into eight squares. You will make a flow map or cartoon of a story that follows the epic cycle. Label each cycle and explain what the hero is doing. Then draw a picture of what is happening.