An epic is a long narrative poem that recounts the adventures of an epic hero, a larger-than-life figure who undertakes a great journey and performs deeds requiring remarkable strength and cunning. “The Odyssey” is an example of an ancient epic poem that was originally sung, or passed down orally for generations before someone finally put it down on papyrus.
Probably to explain the past and pass down cultural tradition – to educate To promote a sense of pride in one’s people To reach a large audience (through oral recitation) because many in the ancient world were illiterate
Here are some of the major lessons that the ancient Greeks wanted to teach their children through poetry like “The Odyssey”: ◦ Respect for gods and goddesses ◦ The importance of home and family ◦ Acts of courage, strength, and leadership – honor/patriotism ◦ Concern for the welfare of others - hospitality ◦ Displays of heroism ◦ Obedience to leaders
Comes from an unusual birth – sometimes royalty, or sometimes from a god or goddess Possesses superhuman strength, craftiness, and confidence Travels over a vast setting Is helped and harmed by interfering gods Embodies ideals and values that the culture considers admirable Usually has a tragic flaw Emerges victorious from dangerous situations
Achilles (“The Iliad”) Odysseus (“The Odyssey”) King Arthur Satan (“Paradise Lost”) Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker Aragorn Katniss Everdeen
Often begins in medias res, or in the middle of the action, and uses flashbacks to explain past events Involves a long journey, full of complications, such as: ◦ Strange Creatures ◦ Large-Scale Events ◦ Divine Intervention ◦ Treacherous Weather
Includes fantastic or exotic lands Involves more than one nation
Courage The fate of a nation A homecoming Beauty Loyalty Life and death Temptation Disguise Hospitality Identity Exile
An epic poem often begins with an invocation, where the poet narrator starts the poem by stating the tale’s subject and asking for poetic inspiration from a guiding spirit – the Muse. The narrator includes speeches by principle characters which reveal their personalities The narrative’s tone and style are formal rather than conversational The use of figurative language makes the narrative vivid and exiting for listeners and readers
Epic tales have remained so popular from ancient times until now because of archetypes.
They are universal They describe experiences every human encounters They hold the same or similar meaning for all people, in every time and place They are recurring because they are timeless and unchanged They can be a character, situation, or symbol
Character Archetypes: ◦ The Hero ◦ The Mentor ◦ The Loyal Sidekick ◦ The Temptress
Situational Archetypes : ◦ The Journey ◦ The Quest ◦ The Task ◦ Good vs. Evil
Symbolic Archetypes: ◦ Supernatural Intervention ◦ Heaven vs. Hell ◦ Haven vs. Wilderness ◦ Light vs. Dark