Odyssey by Homer General Characteristics of an Epic

Originally intended to be sung or recited to music

Written down after centuries of oral transmission

Deities and other supernatural agencies are often involved in human affairs

Generated by periods of upheaval, of struggle and adventure

Often, the principal characters are larger-than-life demigods (descendants of deities )or heroes of immense stature and strength

Single combat is a common plot devise

The subject of the poem is announced in the opening lines, in an invocation (prayer) to the Muse in which the poet calls for divine assistance to tell his tales.

The true epic is long (the Iliad and Odyssey each contain 24 books) and dignified. (courtly address and epithet are common)

Geographical settings are wide: the action of the Odyssey occurs across all of the known world of the Greeks over a 20 year period.

Elements of Epic Style

Repetition: directions and reports are repeated, later incidents seem to echo earlier incidents; stock epithet –is a formulaic phrase (often a compound adjective) used habitually to characterize a person or thing (for example, "blood-red sky" and "wine-dark sea” & “horse- taming Hector.” Why use them? t is convenient to have a stockpile of metrically fitting phrases to add to a name) and because of the oral transmission of the poems; they are mnemonic aids to the poet and the audience alike. Names are symbolic: Odysseus = “Man of Woe,” for he both gives and receives suffering.

Characters are commonly revealed in dialogue. Speeches are often followed by such phrases as “thus he spoke” to emphasize that the words are those of a character and not of the narrator.

Elevated, literary language is the norm- even servants speak in dignified verse.

Long, formal speeches such as challenges, inset narratives, flashbacks, and points of debate occur within the midst of the action

Patronymics Calling the son by the father’s name. “I am Laertes’ son.” Odysseus.

Catalogues Lengthy lists, particularly of leaders and their military troops

Epics include: A chief god’s balancing the scales of fate. A long and arduous journey for the hero Weapons of supernatural origin A descent into the Underworld

The poet opens in the midst of the action (“in medias res”) rather than at the beginning.

Characteristics of the Epic Hero

1. The hero possesses distinctive weapons of great size and power, often heirlooms or presents from the gods.

2. The hero is introduced in the midst of turmoil, at a point well into the story, action will be recounted in flashbacks. 3. The hero is not only a warrior and a leader, but also a polished speaker.

4. The hero must undertake a long, perilous journey, often involving a descent into the Underworld, which tests his endurance, courage, and cunning. 5. Whatever values his race most prizes, the epic hero as a cultural exemplar possesses in abundance. “Resourceful Odysseus”

6. The hero has a group of noble followers. Although his fellows may be great warriors the hero undertakes a task that no one else dare attempt.

7. The hero establishes his nobility through single combat. He gains great honor by challenging heroes like himself or adversaries of superhuman power.

8. The two epic adversaries, the hero and his antagonist, meet at the climax which must be delayed as long as possible to sustain maximum interest.

9. The hero’s epic adversary is often a “god- despiser,,” one who has more respect for his own mental and physical abilities than for the power of the gods.

10. The hero may encounter a divine or supernatural force that he must use strength, cunning, and divine assistance to overcome.

The end