Information about Epics

There are 2 kinds of epics. Folk Epic Author is unknown Includes topics that were important to the people (folk) they were written for Art Epic Author is known More sophisticated than folk epics

There are 6 epic characteristics. The hero is an important character—of national or international importance. Also, the character is of great historical or legendary significance.

2. The setting is very large, covering great nations or even the world.

3. The actions consist of deeds of great bravery or those requiring superhuman courage.

4. Supernatural forces—gods, angels, demons—interest themselves in the action and intervene from time to time.

5. A style of sustained elevation and grand simplicity is used 5. A style of sustained elevation and grand simplicity is used. This means the poem is both sophisticated and simple at the same time.

6. The epic poet tells about the deeds of the hero with objectivity 6. The epic poet tells about the deeds of the hero with objectivity. This means the epic poet is not biased for or against the hero.

There are 5 common literary techniques used in most epics. 1. The poet begins by stating the main point and by praying to a muse for inspiration.

The poem begins in medias res —in the middle of things—and includes necessary back-ground information.

3. Lists of warriors, ships, and armies are often included.

4. Long, formal speeches are given by the main characters.

5. The poet uses epic similes 5. The poet uses epic similes. These are comparisons using the words “like” or “as.” However, since they are EPIC similes, they are larger/fancier than typical similes.