Epic and Myth Epic-a long narrative poem, written in dignified style, that celebrates the adventures and achievements of one or more heroic figures.Epic-a long narrative poem, written in dignified style, that celebrates the adventures and achievements of one or more heroic figures.

Elements of Epics/Myths Epic Hero—the central character in the epic who is driven by his desire to save his country/people during a time of crisis.Epic Hero—the central character in the epic who is driven by his desire to save his country/people during a time of crisis. Archetypes: A character, image, or pattern of events that appear repeatedly.Archetypes: A character, image, or pattern of events that appear repeatedly.

Characteristic of EPICS Written in the style of a long poem.Written in the style of a long poem. Language is formal, lofty.Language is formal, lofty. Mood is serious.Mood is serious. Protagonist undergoes many adventuresProtagonist undergoes many adventures Gods and monsters intervene in actionGods and monsters intervene in action Poet uses extended similes, called epic similes or homeric similesPoet uses extended similes, called epic similes or homeric similes Poem begins in the middle of the action (known as in medias res)Poem begins in the middle of the action (known as in medias res)

Epic Plot Epic plot involves the following:Epic plot involves the following: –Distant Journeys –Supernatural Events –Life and Death struggles between good and evil. Epics begin with an invocation (prayer) that is given to the muse (one of Zeus’s 9 daughters).Epics begin with an invocation (prayer) that is given to the muse (one of Zeus’s 9 daughters).

Epic Hero Characteristics of an epic hero:Characteristics of an epic hero: –Possesses unusual strength –Courageous –Cunning Does have a weapon of choice that can only be used by the hero—Odysseus’s weapon is his BOW.

Structure of the Epic The speaker tells a storyThe speaker tells a story The action included extraordinary orThe action included extraordinary or superhuman deeds. superhuman deeds. The hero embarks on a long journey.The hero embarks on a long journey. Includes speeches by principal characters.Includes speeches by principal characters. The use of figurative language makes the narrative vivid and exciting.The use of figurative language makes the narrative vivid and exciting.

Myth Myth—a traditional story with no known author.Myth—a traditional story with no known author. Most myths are about:Most myths are about: –Creation of earth –Love –Adventure, trickery, or revenge

Reading Epics/Myths Many myths began as oral traditions (sung aloud by rhapsodies who travelled).Many myths began as oral traditions (sung aloud by rhapsodies who travelled). Usually give insight to human nature.Usually give insight to human nature. Explore a range of human emotions: anger, love, jealousy, rage, and vengeance.Explore a range of human emotions: anger, love, jealousy, rage, and vengeance. Are timeless because they have characteristics of a good story: imaginative, interesting, inspiring, and authentic.Are timeless because they have characteristics of a good story: imaginative, interesting, inspiring, and authentic.

Homer and the Epic Homer’s most famous compositions are the Iliad (story of the 10 year war) and the Odyssey (story of a long journey).Homer’s most famous compositions are the Iliad (story of the 10 year war) and the Odyssey (story of a long journey). Homer was a blind minstrel who would travel and tell of these stories.Homer was a blind minstrel who would travel and tell of these stories. Greeks in the Odyssey are referred to as Acheans.Greeks in the Odyssey are referred to as Acheans.

Universal Themes The importance of heroismThe importance of heroism The strength of loyaltyThe strength of loyalty The power of love.The power of love. The dangers of greed.The dangers of greed.

Terms to know Epithets-any word or phrase applied to a person or thing to describe an actual or attributed quality (wily Odysseus)Epithets-any word or phrase applied to a person or thing to describe an actual or attributed quality (wily Odysseus) Homeric Simile- Extended comparison using “like” or “as”Homeric Simile- Extended comparison using “like” or “as” Irony (verbal and dramatic)Irony (verbal and dramatic)

Nature Archetypes Water: birth-death-resurrection; creation; purification and redemption; fertility and growth. Rivers: death and rebirth (baptism); the flowing of time into eternity Sun (fire and sky are closely related): creative energy; thinking, enlightenment, wisdom, spiritual vision. – –Rising sun: birth, creation, enlightenment. – –Setting sun: death

Color Archetypes   Red: blood, sacrifice, passion; disorder.   Green: growth, hope, fertility.   Blue: highly positive; secure; tranquil; spiritual purity.   Black: darkness, chaos, mystery, the unknown, death, wisdom, evil, melancholy.