EPICS & MYTHS: The Odyssey English 9/Mrs. Kelley

What is an “epic”? The word “epic” is used all the time. So what does the word even mean?

Epic Definition Full Definition of EPIC 1: of, relating to, or having the characteristics of an epic 2 : extending beyond the usual or ordinary especially in size or scope Examples of EPIC The football game was an epic battle between two great teams. The bridge was an epic achievement. The company is engaged in an epic struggle for survival. an accomplishment of epic proportions

Oral Tradition Oral tradition refers to the literature they passed down through word of mouth Because of this, the basic story stayed the same but some of the details changed over time. Little tricks were built in to the story to make it easy to remember: like rhyme and repetition

Universal Themes A universal theme is an insight into life and human nature that appears in the literature of many different times and cultures. Universal themes transcend time and culture. Universal themes concern fundamental ideas such as heroism, loyalty, love, leadership, and good vs. evil.

Literary Archetypes An archetype is an element of literature that reoccurs throughout the literature of different cultures. Characters types, plot patterns, images and symbols all may be archetypes.

Forms of the Oral Tradition Forms of oral tales include:

Myths Describes the actions of gods or heroes or explains the origins of elements of nature Is present in the literature of every culture (Ancient Greek or Roman Myths are known as classical mythology) EXAMPLE: Story of Prometheus

Folk Tales Follows a simple formula Deals with heroics, adventure, magic, or romance Frequently features animal characters with human traits, such as the trickster Coyote Includes fables and fairy tales EXAMPLE: Jack and the Bean Stalk Goldilocks and the Three Bears

Legends Recounts the adventures of a hero from the past Often relates events that are based on historical truth Includes tall tales, which feature exaggeration EXAMPLE: Robinhood

Epics Is a long narrative poem Combines feature of myths and legends Depicts a larger-than-life hero who usually goes on a dangerous journey; the hero is helped or hindered by supernatural creatures or gods Gives a detailed portrait of a culture EXAMPLE: The Odyssey

Where do Epics come from? Almost 300 THOUSAND years ago, people from the country of Greece were telling tales (stories) of a great war.

What came first the Iliad or the Odyssey? The epic tales of the Iliad and the Odyssey are from the same story. The Iliad tells of the story of the great war. The Odyssey tells of Odysseus’s long and dangerous journey come after the war.

Who is Homer? The man who is said to have later gathered and retold all of these tales is a man named Homer.

So what is an epic tale? An epic is a long narrative poem that relates important events in the history or folklore of the culture in which it was produced. Its central character or epic hero is a larger than life figure who embodies traits that the culture values.

Literary Devices used in Epics – Opening invocation to the Muse – Starting the story “in medias res” – Lofty Style: Elegant style – Objective Tone – Meter, or fixed rhythmic pattern – Epithet: A characterizing phrase for a person, place, or thing. – Epic Simile: A long comparison over many lines of the poem, comparing something extraordinary to something very common and everyday.

Homeric Similes A long comparison, over many lines. A simile that compares epic events to simple and easy to understand events so that the audience can understand. EXAMPLE: “she brushed it away from his skin as lightly as when a mother brushes a fly away from her child who is lying in sweet sleep.

What is an epithet? is a descriptive term (word or phrase) or a descriptive title EXAMPLE: Alexander the Great Mrs. Kelley, the Freshman tamer

What are the characteristics of an Epic? 1. A physically impressive hero of national or historical importance

Characteristics of an Epic 2. A vast setting involving much of the known physical world and sometimes other universes as well

Characteristics of an Epic 3. Action such as a quest or journey taken in search of something of value

Characteristics of an Epic 4. Evidence of supernatural forces at work

Characteristics of an Epic 5. Glorification of the hero at the end

Characteristics of an Epic 6. A rootedness in a specific culture and society

Greek Cultural Values 1.A belief that gods and goddesses were a part of everyday life of people 2.Hospitality: strangers should always be welcomed and treated like friends 3.A belief in prophecy

What characteristics make up a hero? Brave Smart Strong great warrior larger-than-life man national hero who embodies the traits that his society values most highly What else?

Let’s read The Odyssey! As we read The Odyssey, look for the 6 characteristics of an epic story. Also look for characteristics of a HERO.