The EpicThe Epic

An Epic is a long narrative poem, usually concerned with heroic deeds or events that are significant to a culture or nation

The earliest epics were spoken, passed down orally from one generation to the next

An Epic is a long narrative poem, usually concerned with heroic deeds or events that are significant to a culture or nation

The earliest epics were spoken, passed down orally from one generation to the next

1. Opens In Medias Res2. Vast setting (covering

nations, worlds, the whole universe)

3. Starts with an invocation to a muse

4. Starts with the statement of the theme

1. Opens In Medias Res2. Vast setting (covering

nations, worlds, the whole universe)

3. Starts with an invocation to a muse

4. Starts with the statement of the theme

Epic Characteristics

Epic Characteristics5.Includes the use of epithets (the great, the brave, etc.)

6.Contains long lists (genealogy, characters involved, accomplishments, etc.)

7.Includes long, formal speeches

8.Includes divine intervention

9.Focused on an Epic Hero

Epic (homeric) simileEpic (homeric) simile

An extended simile elaborated in such detail or at such length as to eclipse temporarily the main action of a narrative work, forming a decorative digression. Usually it compares one complex action with another: for example, the approach of an army with the onset of storm-clouds.

An extended simile elaborated in such detail or at such length as to eclipse temporarily the main action of a narrative work, forming a decorative digression. Usually it compares one complex action with another: for example, the approach of an army with the onset of storm-clouds.

The epic hero is the focus of the epic poem.

The hero is a warriorThe hero possesses the traits most valued by the culture at the time

The hero finds himself in one of two scenarios: War or Journey

The epic hero is the focus of the epic poem.

The hero is a warriorThe hero possesses the traits most valued by the culture at the time

The hero finds himself in one of two scenarios: War or Journey

Epic Hero

Famous EpicsFamous EpicsAncient

The Epic of GilgameshThe Illiad & The OdysseyAeneidMetamorphoses

Medieval BeowulfThe Divine ComedyMorte Arthure (early alliterative)

Modern The Faerie QueeneParadise Lost & Paradise Regained

AncientThe Epic of GilgameshThe Illiad & The OdysseyAeneidMetamorphoses

Medieval BeowulfThe Divine ComedyMorte Arthure (early alliterative)

Modern The Faerie QueeneParadise Lost & Paradise Regained

Tips for readingTips for reading

• Read sentences, not line by line.

• Stop and consider what you’ve read. Understanding each word doesn’t mean you understand the content of what you’ve read

• Use footnotes - they’re there for a reason

• Read sentences, not line by line.

• Stop and consider what you’ve read. Understanding each word doesn’t mean you understand the content of what you’ve read

• Use footnotes - they’re there for a reason