EPIC Literary Styles

Definition: A long narrative poem, on a grand scale, about the deeds of warriors and heroes It is a polygonal, “heroic” story incorporating myth, legend, folktale, and history.

Significance: Epics are often of national significance in the sense that they embody the history and aspirations of a nation in a lofty or grandiose manner.

Kinds of Epics: Primary– also known as oral or primitive Secondary— also known as literary *Research/historical narratives incorporate these as primary sources (those who experienced or observed the events) and secondary sources (those who studied, learned from, or heard of the events by a primary source)

Primary Epic: Also known as oral or primitive Belongs to the oral tradition and is thus composed orally and recited; only much later, in some cases, is it written down

Primary Epic: A central figure of heroic, often superhuman caliber Perilous journeys, various misadventures A strong element of the supernatural Repetition of fairly long passages of narrative or dialogue, long speeches Elaborate greetings Digressions Vivid and direct descriptions in a lofty tone— “all is larger than life”

Primary Epic: Recited by: Bard (Celtic) Rhapsodist (Greek) Scop, also known as a gleeman (Anglo-Saxon) Skald (Scandanavian) Guslar (Southern Slavic) Troubadour (southern French)

Scops: Old English: “jester, one who scoffs” An Anglo-Saxon minstrel, also known as a gleeman A professional entertainer (poet and singer) of an ancient and honored calling Conservers of the Old English oral tradition, makers and reciters of poetry A number were members of royal households, few known by name