Epics and their Conventions Coronado High School Mrs. Heckman

What is an “epic”? An epic is a long narrative told in an elevated style which recounts the heroic tales of a legendary or historic person who was considered important in the history of his people.

The Folk Epic The traditional or folk epic = traditional tales that are handed down orally by poets and singers (i.e. Iliad, Odyssey, Beowulf)

The Literary Epic Although modeled on traditional epics, these are NOT handed down orally by people. They are written by one author whose intention it is to write an epic and use all 13 conventions. (i.e. Paradise Lost by John Milton)

The 13 Epic Conventions 1.Always in verse 2.Simple action with great significance 3.Protagonist is a national hero who embodies the ideals of his nation or race

The 13 Epic Conventions 4.Battle scenes and courageous exploits part of main action 5.Catalogue of Warriors - warriors line up on sides (good vs. evil) 6.Ascent into heaven and/or decent into the underworld a result of action.

The 13 Epic Conventions 7.Gods or fate play a role in the action. 8.Stock epithets/kennings used. (An epithet is a word or phrase that states a characteristic quality in a person or thing.)

The 13 Epic Conventions 9.Invocation of muse – pray for divine inspiration- often in the beginning. (Poet asks for help) 10.An epic question is posed. 11.Extended epic similes used (He roared like a lion in pain.)

The 13 Epic Conventions 12.Begins in medias res – “in the middle of things” 13.Work divided into books that are divisible by 6

Are all 13 necessary for an epic? NO – not for a folk or mock epic YES - intentional in literary epic