English I3rd Six Weeks

2012

The Epic, The Epic Hero, and The Odyssey

The EpicAn epic is a long narrative poem that relates the great deeds of a larger-

than-life hero who embodies the values of a particular society.Examples of Epics

The IlliadBeowulfThe AeneidThe Epic of Gilgamesh

Epics often…Concern eternal human problems such as the conflict between GOOD and

EVILWritten or told on a grand scale and often in ceremonial

style

Background

1. Folk Epic- oral compositions passed on from storyteller to storyteller and has changed over time.

Ex. – Gilgamesh, Beowulf, the Iliad, and the Odyssey

2. Literary Epic- written compositions that are unchanged over time.

Ex. -Aeneid and Paradise Lost

Two Types of Epics

There are five main characteristics of an epic. The hero is a great leader who is identified strongly with a

particular people or society.The setting is broad and often includes supernatural realms,

especially the land of the dead.The hero does great deeds in battle or undertakes an

extraordinary journey or quest.Sometimes gods or other supernatural or fantastic beings

take part in the action.The story is told in heightened language.

Characteristics of an Epic

Shared characteristics of epics writers drew upon to establish the epic quality of their poems.

Convention #1There is an INVOCATION or formal plea for aid/help.This plea is usually to a deity or some other spiritual power.

Convention #2 The action begins IN MEDIA RES… literally meaning “in the middle of things”

Convention #3 The epic begins in media res and then flashes back to events that took

place before the narrator’s current time setting

Epic Conventions

Convention #4Epic Similes (a.k.a. Homeric simile)- elaborately

extended comparisons relating heroic events to simple, everyday events using like, as, so, and just as.

Convention #5Epithet: a descriptive phrase that presents a

particular trait of a person or thing. It can be a quick aid to characterization.Ex: Odysseus is a “raider of cities.”Odysseus is “a man skilled in all ways of

contending.”

Epic Conventions (continued)

An Epic involves a long journey, full of complications, such asStrange creaturesDivine interventionLarge-scale eventsTreacherous weather

Epic settingsIncludes fantastic or exotic landsInvolves more than one nation

Epic Plot & Setting

Epic poetry reflects such universal concerns asCourageThe fate of a nationA homecomingBeautyLoyaltyLife and death

Epic Themes

All epics include archetypes – characters, situations, and images that are recognizable in many times and cultures.

Examples of archetypesSea monsterWicked temptressBuried treasureSuitors’ contestLoyal servantEpic hero

Archetypes

The Epic Hero

The epic hero is a “LARGER THAN LIFE PERSON” who embodies the highest ideals of his culture In “Gilgamesh”, the epic hero Gilgamesh is considered larger-than-life and

embodies LOYALTY, VALOR/ COURAGE, SENSE OF JUSTICE, DIGNITY, PERSISTENCE, and many other traits of his culture and time period.

The epic hero usually undertakes a QUEST/ JOURNEY to achieve something of great value to themselves or society

Epic heroes “LIVE ON AFTER DEATH”…meaning they are forever remembered by those who live after them…achieving a type of IMMORTALITY

Not a “Superman” with magical powers, but a “REGULAR” human (sometimes part god/part human) whose aspirations and accomplishments set him/her apart

Characteristics of an Epic Hero

Overcomes great obstacles/opponents but maintains HUMANITY

Epic hero experiences typical HUMAN EMOTIONS/ FEELINGS, yet is able to master and control these human traits to a greater degree than a typical person.

It is often necessary for the epic hero to connect/make contact with “LESSER” humans in order to succeed

Characteristics of an Epic Hero (cont.)

Homer and The Odyssey

According to ancient accounts, he lived between 900 and 700 B.C.E., possibly on the island of Chios in the eastern Aegean Sea. He was mostly blind.

Revered as the greatest of the ancient Greek epic poets. Described as the teacher of Greece. Works attributed to Homer

The Illiad – epic poem about the Trojan War. The Odyssey – epic poem following Odysseus, a king of

Ithaca, on his journey home after the Trojan War. These works provided models in persuasive speaking

and writing that were emulated throughout the ancient and medieval Greek world.

Who was Homer?

Sequel to The Illiad, an epic poem following the length of the Trojan War.

Is considered the second oldest extant work of Western Literature.The Illiad is the oldest.

Centers on the Greek hero Odysseus (Roman: Ulysses) and his journey home after the fall of Troy.

It takes Odysseus ten years to reach his home island of Ithaca after fighting for ten years in the Trojan War.

In his absence, it is assumed he has died, and his wife Penelope and son Telemachus must deal with a group of unruly suitors who wish to marry Penelope.

The Odyssey

Opening page of The Odyssey