INTRODUCTION to EPIC POETRY

An epic poem has… a hero who embodies national, cultural, or religious ideals a hero upon whose actions depends the fate of his/her people a course of action in which the hero performs great and difficult deeds

An epic poem has… a recognition of -- or intercession by – divine or supernatural powers a concern with eternal human problems a dignified and elaborate poetic style

Important “Primary” Epics Iliad* (Greek) / Aeneid (Latin) Odyssey (Greek) / Ulysses (Latin) Gilgamesh (Babylonian) Exodus (Hebrew) Beowulf * (Anglo-Saxon)

What do these primary epics have in common? Each began as part of a culture’s oral tradition ORAL TRADITION: socio-/cultural values passed down generation-to-generation by traveling poets/bards who sang songs about cultural heroes and values POETRY because rhyme/meter is easier to memorize and more stable as passed-on

What is Epic Poetry? Written in an elevated/formal style Long narrative poem Written in an elevated/formal style Celebrates the deed of a legendary hero or god 6

The Iliad “written” by Homer around (c.) 720 B.C. Homer did not invent the story, but transcribed it into its longest-lasting form All versions we read are translated from ancient Greek language – Translations can vary greatly Called Iliad because “Ilium” was the Greek name for Troy – where the war took place. “Iliad” = “about Ilium”

A WOMAN! The Trojan War (1250 B.C.) What was its cause? Nuclear weapons? No! Treaty violations? Imperial aggression? Trade dispute? A WOMAN!

The Trojan War 1184 BC/ 800 BC (written) Main topic of The Iliad by Homer and later The Aeneid by Virgil Achaeans vs. Trojans (10 yrs.) Helen of Troy abducted by Paris Achilles obtains from war in 10th yr. kills Hector the Trojan Prince Wooden horse City captured; Helen returned to Menelaus Troy : The Trojan War  >  The Trojan War is the main issue of the Iliad by Homer, and its later sequence is described in the Aeneid by Virgil. The war took place between Achaeans and Trojans, and raged for ten years. As a consequence of the Judgement of Paris , Helen (wife of the Spartan king Menelaus) was abducted by Paris (son of king Priam of Troy). Through most of the war, because of Achilles' withdrawal, Agamemnon ( king of the Achaeans and brother of Menelaus) was unable to penetrate the fortified city of Troy. On the tenth year, Achilles joined the Achaian's army and killed Hector, the Trojan prince. After the death of Achilles, the Achaeans built a Wooden horse, filled it with warriors and brought it into the city. Once the city was captured, it was destroyed by the Achaeans. The Trojan king Priam and most of his family were killed, Cassandra, his daughter, was raped and taken as slave to Greece, and Helen, whose abduction had started the war, returned to Menelaus.

More about this one later… The Odyssey 800 BC Tale of Odysseus 10 yrs. in Trojan War 10 yrs. to get home Presumed dead; wife Penelope fighting off suitors Consists of 24 books More about this one later… The Odyssey, Homer  >  First and foremost, the Odyssey is a great tale. It is at heart an adventure story of Odysseus's return to his home after the 10 year Trojan War. Because Odysseus has upset the wrong god, he has to spend another 10 years journeying home. Meanwhile, suitors for his wife, Penelope's, hand have gathered at his home trying to win her heart, and, in the meantime, eating Odysseus out of house and home.

Literary Devices Alliteration - repetition of similar sounds, especially initial consonant or stressed syllable (eg. Peter Piper picked a pair of pickled peppers) Metaphor - comparison between two similar things Simile - comparison using like or as

Literary Devices Cont. Epithet - brief phrase characterizes a person place or thing (eg. “the Lord of all Life”, “the Rule of glory,” “the Lord of heaven and earth”) Kenning - two-word metaphorical name for something (eg. “sea-road” for ocean [30, line 239])

Literary Elements Internal Conflict- When a character struggles with their own opposing feelings and desires Man vs. self External Conflict- When a character struggles against some outside force Man vs. man Man vs. nature Man vs. society Man vs. fate