1. Epic Poetry
By Destiny Hoffman

2. Definition and Examples
Epic poetry is typically a lengthy narrative featuring a hero on some specific, historic event
These type of poems are mostly adventurous and blend many different traditions
Examples: Beowulf, Odyssey, Paradise Lost

3. Structure Written in dactylic hexameter
Dactyl- long, two short syllables
Spondee- two long syllables
Ancep- short or long syllable
Trochee- long then short syllable
Lines consist of a hexameter, or six feet

4. History In 2100 BCE, the Mesopotamian Epic of Gilgamesh began
In 800 BCE, Greek poet Homer wrote The Iliad and The Odyssey
In 30 BCE, Roman poet Virgil wrote Aeneid
In 1207, Spanish poet Per Abbat wrote El cantar de mío Cid
In 1090, Turold wrote Chanson de Roland

5. The Odyssey Book I Lines 1-20

6. Characteristics Written in dactylic hexameter Large setting
Contains a hero that embodies a value of a civilization
Supernatural forces typically intervene
The theme is stated within the opening of the poem
Always usually has some type of heroism and relationship amongst characters
Typically either Latin, Greek, or Indian poems

7. Test yourself!

8. Bibliography
"Epic Poetry." English 201 and 202. N.p., n.d. Web. 8 Mar <
"Scansion of Latin Poetry." Introduction to Latin Epic : Scansion. N.p., n.d. Web. 8 Mar <
"3. On the Origins of Dactylic Hexameter." Comparative Studies in Greek and Indic Meter (n.d.): n. pag. Dactylic Hexameter Verse. Web. 8 Mar <