CHARACTERISTICS OF AN EPIC

Epic Definition the Iliad the Odyssey An epic is a long narrative poem that relates the great deeds of a larger-than-life hero who embodies the values of a particular society. Beowulf the Iliad the Odyssey Epic Definition

Epics often… Concern eternal human problems such as the conflict between GOOD and EVIL Written or told on a grand scale and often in ceremonial style

Two Types of Epics Folk Epic- oral compositions passed on from storyteller to storyteller and has changed over time. Ex. -Beowulf, the Iliad, and the Odyssey Literary Epic- written compositions that are unchanged over time. Ex. -Aeneid and Paradise Lost

Beowulf In comparison to the standard of Homeric epics (15,000 lines) … Beowulf is relatively short (3,200 lines) It was probably composed (first written down) between 700-750 in Old English by a monk in Scandinavia It is thought a monk composed it due to the Christian elements in the epic

Epic Characteristics

Epic Characteristic #1 The hero is a great leader who is identified strongly with a particular people or society.

Epic Characteristic #2 The setting is broad and often includes supernatural realms, especially the land of the dead.

Epic Characteristic #3 The hero does great deeds in battle or undertakes an extraordinary journey or quest.

Epic Characteristic #4 Sometimes gods or other supernatural or fantastic beings take part in the action.

The story is told in heightened language. Epic Characteristic #5 The story is told in heightened language.

EPIC CONVENTIONS

EPIC CONVENTIONS Shared characteristics of epics that bards/scops drew upon to recall the stories they were recounting writers of epics drew upon these recountings to establish the epic quality of their poems.

EPIC CONVENTION #1 There is an INVOCATION or formal plea for aid/help. This plea is usually to a deity or some other spiritual power.

EPIC CONVENTION #2 The action begins IN MEDIA RES… Literally meaning “in the middle of things”

EPIC CONVENTION #3 The epic begins in media res and then flashes back to events that took place before the narrator’s current time setting.

EPIC CONVENTION #4 Epic Similes- elaborately extended comparisons relating heroic events to simple, everyday events

EPIC CONVENTION #5 Kennings Descriptive adjectives or phrases used repeatedly with or in place of a noun or proper name: Whale road: the sea Strong-hearted wakeful sleeper: Beowulf

HERO CHARACTERISTICS

Epic Hero Characteristics #1 The epic hero is a “LARGER THAN LIFE PERSON” who embodies the highest ideals of his culture

Beowulf as the epic hero In Beowulf, the epic hero Beowulf is considered “larger-than-life” He embodies LOYALTY, COURAGE, SENSE OF JUSTICE, DIGNITY, PERSISTENCE, and many other traits of the Anglo-Saxon culture

Epic Hero Characteristics #2 The epic hero usually undertakes a QUEST/ JOURNEY to achieve something of great value to themselves or society

Epic Hero Characteristics #3 Epic heroes “LIVE ON AFTER DEATH”… meaning they are forever remembered by those who live after them… achieving a type of IMMORTALITY

Epic Hero Characteristics #4 Not a “Superman” with magical powers But a “REGULAR” human whose aspirations and accomplishments set him/her apart

Epic Hero Characteristics #5 Overcomes great obstacles/opponents but maintains HUMANITY

Epic Hero Characteristics #6 Epic hero experiences typical HUMAN EMOTIONS/ FEELINGS, yet is able to master and control these human traits to a greater degree than a typical person

Epic Hero Characteristics #7 It is often necessary for the epic hero to connect/make contact with “LESSER” humans in order to succeed

Epic Hero Characteristics #8 The epic hero is an ARCHETYPAL character.

Archetype An archetype is a pattern that appears in literature across cultures and is repeated through the ages. An archetype can be a character, a plot, an image, or a setting. In Beowulf, the hero archetype is the dragon slayer. A hero who faces death in order to save a threatened community or person.

WRAP UP/REVIEW

Long narrative relating the deeds of larger- than-life hero Wrap Up/Review Define the epic Long narrative relating the deeds of larger- than-life hero

Wrap Up/Review What are two types of epics? Folk: spoken Literary: written

Wrap Up/Review Invocation In media res Flash back Epic simile Kennings Do you know the 5 epic conventions? Invocation In media res Flash back Epic simile Kennings

Cheese-Wagon = School Bus Wrap Up/Review Do you know a kenning when you see one? Describes or replaces a name Cheese-Wagon = School Bus

Wrap Up/Review A larger than life person What are the characteristics of an epic hero? A larger than life person Goes on a quest or journey (can involve a battle) Lives on after death (story, song, poems) Regular human with great accomplishments Maintains humanity (expresses emotions) Has contact with lesser humans Is an archetype

Wrap Up/Review Archetype—what’s that? Pattern in literature