Epic Poetry

English 9-9H2011

What is Epic Poetry?

A long narrative poem on a great and serious subject, relayed in an elevated style, and centered on a heroic or quasi-divine figure on whose actions depends the fate of a tribe, a nation, or the human race.

Origins of the Epic

Characteristics of Epic

Usually contains several books or volumesMany epic poems started from “oral

tradition” or spoken poems that were memorized and recited ceremonially

In the case of the Odyssey, some scholars believe that there were “episodes” that were eventually collaborated into one story

Characteristics of Epic cont.

Original text often has rhyme/poetic devicesOften in rhyming couplets (aa, bb, cc)AlliterationDigressions (into other stories/myths)Epithets – descriptive word or phrase

to accompany or replace a person’s name “Brave Odysseus” or “wine-dark sea”

Repetition or reoccurring lines/phrases

Characteristics of Epic cont.

Contains a hero with specific characteristicsKnown as an Epic Hero

More on him later

The Setting is vast in

scopeSometimes both in time

and space

Characteristics of Epic cont.

Starts “in media res” or “in the middle”Story begins in the middle and flashes

back so that the reader can understand the current situation

Narrator invokes a MuseOne of the 9 daughters of Zeus that

give divine inspiration

Characteristics of Epic cont.An epic also contains:

– Battles– Romance– A great journey– Lists/Catalogs

• people, items, genealogies, etc.

– Supernatural influence/intervention• Called “machinery”

– A descent into the underworld/Rebirth– Epic Simile (or extended simile)– Extended formal speeches

The Epic HeroThe hero is a figure of great national or

even cosmic importance, usually the ideal man of his culture. He often has superhuman or divine traits. 

He has an imposing physical

stature and is greater in

all ways than the common

man.

The Hero’s Journey

According to Joseph Campbell’s The Hero with a Thousand Faces, there are three major stages to the Hero’s Journey:

• Separation• Initiation• Return

Separation

• Call to Adventure– Hero becomes aware beyond normal

existence (usually via a message)

• Refusal of the Call– Hero denies abilities or desire to leave

• Crossing the first threshold– Hero is tested and is pulled into the new

realm, often against his will

Initiation• The ‘Road of Trials’

– A series of tests to prepare the hero

• Meeting with the Goddess– An offering is made given the hero’s success

• Woman as Temptress– Hero is found occupied/distracted by selfish pleasures

• Atonement with the Father– Hero comes to terms with parent or protector

• Apotheosis– Hero is transformed into full potential (or divine state)

• The Ultimate Boone– A favor, blessing or benefit is bestowed to complete journey

Return• The Refusal of the return

– Hero hesitates to return for various reasons• The Magical Flight or Rescue from Without

– Hero makes an extraordinary journey back, either reluctantly by force or by choice (with help)

• Crossing the Return Threshold– Hero has a supernatural force help him cross

back over• Master of Two Worlds

– Hero becomes a bridge or master between the seemingly separate worlds

• Freedom to Live– Hero has ability to move freely between realms

Modern Examples of Hero’s Journey

Homer• Stories originated

from a series of poets who each orally composes an entirely different version of the story

• Homer is traditionally a blind author of The Iliad & The Odyssey

• A wandering bard, holder of myths and history

The Odyssey

• Comprised of 12,110 lines of dactylic hexameter in the original language (Greek)

• Is considered the sequel to the Iliad, an epic poem about the sacking of Troy– Helen of “Troy” runs away with Paris, prince of Troy,

abandoning her husband Menelaus of Sparta

• Follows Odysseus’ 10 year journey back from Troy to his island of Ithaca

• Encounters numerous obstacles as a result of angering Poseidon, God of the Sea

References• http://homepage.mac.com/mseffie/assignments/beowulf/epic.html

• http://www.authorstream.com/presentation/Urban-49805-Epic-Definition-long-poem-hero-media-res-invocation-muse-battles-romance-the-as-Education-ppt-powerpoint/

• http://jc-schools.net/tutorials/Eng9/homer.html#PowerPoint_

• http://www.mythichero.com/what_is_mythology.htm

• http://vabuescher.tripod.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/.pond/maleheromap.jpg.w560h727.jpg

• http://mypetjawa.mu.nu/archives/300_l.jpg

• http://joefelso.files.wordpress.com/2007/07/homer.jpg

• http://handsomebwonderful.org/simpsons/images/simpson_family/Homer/homer2.jpeg