The word “large” is associated with the word epic.

An epic is a long narrative poem about important events in the history or folklore of a culture.

It also portrays the goals and values of society.

Epics are based on historical fact and blend legend with truth.

Gods and goddesses are often important figures in an epic.

Two of the greatest epics are the Iliad and the Odyssey.

Because they were passed down through word of mouth, they are called oral traditions.

These epics were transmitted by Greek minstrels and were finally written down by Homer in approximately 800 BC.

In primitive societies stories were passed through word of mouth In primitive societies stories were passed through word of mouth. Many of the stories were about gods and heroes.

Longer stories were called epics, and they took several days to complete.

The stories were based on historical facts.

They were also filled with incredible deeds and fantastic exploits.

the Iliad and the Odyssey were based on events of the Trojan War the Iliad and the Odyssey were based on events of the Trojan War. This war occurred in 1200 BC.

Stories credit the kidnapping of Helen of Troy as starting the war.

There are two purposes for these myths and legends: 1. to entertain 2 There are two purposes for these myths and legends: 1. to entertain 2. to teach important lessons about religion and society

These heroes were important because they were examples of ideal human qualities.

Themes in The Odyssey: 1. Loyalty, devotion, & fortitude

2. The Greek ideal of a strong body and a strong intellect

3. The wandering hero

4. The triumph of good over evil

5. Obedience to the laws of the gods

Homer was probably born sometime between 700 B. C. and 1,000 B. C Homer was probably born sometime between 700 B.C. and 1,000 B.C. in Western Asia Minor.

He brought these tales together orally before writing them down.

Later the two epics were the basis for Greek and Roman education.

What is an epic hero? 1. A great figure that is larger than life

2. Of national, international, or even cosmic importance

3. A character from either history or legend

4. The ones most valued by society

Storytellers explored themes by means of archetypes, the situations, characters, images, and symbols that appear in the tales of various cultures.

Important Archetypes: 1 Important Archetypes: 1. The hero’s quest - a brave or clever person undergoes test or trials while searching for something of great value.

2. The struggles between the protagonist, the main character, and the antagonist, a person or force that opposes the protagonist.

3. The monster – a nonhuman or semi-human creature that menaces human society and must be destroyed by the hero

4. The trickster – a clever character who can fool others but often gets into trouble through curiosity

5. The circle – a symbol of loyalty, completion, or protection

Historical Context The historical context is the social and cultural background of a particular tale. This context influences the presentation of archetypes.

Forms That Express Universal Themes: 1 Forms That Express Universal Themes: 1. Myths: - explain the actions of gods and the humans who interact with them - explain the causes of natural phenomena

2. Folk tales - focus on human or animal heroes and, unlike myths, are not primarily concerned with gods or creation

3. Legends - folk tales that recount the adventures of a human hero and are usually based on a historical truth - a legend told in an exaggerated way is a tall tale.

4. Epics - long narrative poems that describe the exploits of larger-than-life heroes. - hero usually engages in a dangerous journey or quest that is important to the history of a group or culture

Medias Res Many epics begin in medias res (“in the middle of things”) - major events occurred before events in the poem begin. The hero’s adventures are often recounted in a flashback.