1. Epic Conventions and Motifs
Structure of an epic poem
Ms. Barbour

2. Definition of an Epic
A lengthy narrative poem that usually contains the heroic deeds and events significant to a particular culture or society
Examples:
Iliad
Odyssey
Beowulf
Paradise Lost
Divine Comedy

3. Characteristics of an Epic
Epic hero - protagonist, generally a noble hero of national significance or international prominence, who undergoes many adventures that help create a people or a nation, so that he is of historical or legendary significance
Grand scale - vast setting relates episodes of courage and valor that cover the expanse of continents or sometimes the entire universe

4. Characteristics of an Epic
Semi divine intervention - gods or demons often intervene in the action, either by helping or hindering the hero
Stated theme – comes early in poem
Invocation of the muse – poet asks for inspiration
“in medias res” – poet begins in middle of action

5. Characteristics of an Epic
Catalog – warriors, ships, and enemies make up large passages – presents different elements of culture in detail to create effect that epic is including whole world of its action in poem
Long speeches – characters have formal speeches in lofty, non-colloquial style

6. Characteristics of an Epic
Noble style – poet, whether known or not, relates tale in simple yet elevated language which underscores poem’s serious mood – poet uses set of common literary features (such as below)
Extended comparisons – epic similes – in Beowulf, the comparisons are called kennings

7. Characteristics of an Epic
Journey to underworld motif– hero goes into a dark and dangerous situation, such as land of dead or hell, in attempt to fulfill mission (part of Monomyth)
Recapitulation of events – in order to reinforce heroic character or downfalls
Council of leaders – to give advice to hero, whether he accepts it or not

8. Types of Epics
Folk – conglomeration of shorter tales that have been combined and unified by a skilled, though anonymous author – language is not always polished and structure maybe puzzling
Examples:
Iliad – Greek
Odyssey – Greek
Beowulf – English
Mahabharata (Best of Bharata – his descendants) and The Ramayana – Indian
Gilgamesh – Babylonian (Middle Eastern culture)
El Cid – Spanish
Song of Roland – French

9. Types of Epics
Literary – art epics – composed by known authors who have carefully imitated and modeled folk epics – follow conventions precisely - usually set long ago and far away compelling reader to compare world of present with glories of past – often concerned about morality
Examples
Virgil’s Aeneid – Roman writer
Milton’s Paradise Lost – British writer
Dante’s Divine Comedy – Italian writer
Spencer’s The Faerie Queen – British writer

10. Types of Epics
Mock – not true epics – normally shorter than true epics – seek to satirize their subject instead of extolling them – treat trivial subject in lofty fashion to make it appear ridiculous
Examples
Pope’s Rape of the Lock – British writer
Byron’s Don Juan – British writer

11. Epic Hero Noble birth or high position
Aided by divine or supernatural forces
Has spiritual helper
Gives stirring speeches
Super-human courage, intelligence, or strength
Has journey or quest to conquer
Has special weapon only he can wield
His villains are super ugly, super evil, and super cunning
Searches for father
Performs great deeds
When he dies, he is rewarded spiritually

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