What is an Epic?

Definition A long narrative poem written in an elevated style. Tells of a hero who has a goal of saving or helping a nation. The hero embodies the values of the people he/she represents and is part of their cultural tradition.

Type of Epics Folk Epics- Collection of epics that were passed on by oral tradition The Iliad- Chronicles the Trojan War siege on Ilion (Troy). Greek The Odyssey- Story of Odysseus (Romans referred to him as Ulysses) and his return from the Trojan War after Troy fell. Greek The Song of Roland- Chronicles King Charlemagne. Oldest French manuscript known. The Nibelungenlied- The story tells of dragon-slayer Siegfried at the court of the Burgundians, how he was murdered, and of his wife Kriemhild's revenge. German epic. Literary Epics- Composed (written without previous oral tradition) by using the style of the folk epic. Paradise Lost- John Milton

Conventions (literary or formal characteristics) of an Epic Invoking the muse In Medias Res Epic Hero on a Quest Valorous Deeds (courage in the face of danger) Supernatural Forces Elevated Style

Epic Hero on a Quest Quest is a dangerous journey that tests the hero Characteristics of an epic hero: Main character of the epic Noble of birth Does things that others cannot

Valorous Deeds Reveal the hero’s good qualities. Deeds completed are done in accordance with the represented cultures values.

Supernatural Forces Heroes or monsters are looked after by supernatural forces or deities.

Elevated Style Lofty diction- the word choice used is very formal in nature Makes the importance of the story known. May contain lists (catalogs) of different things: weapons, genealogy, battles, or gifts.

Look at Gilgamesh Model on p. 35 Read the story. Look at the examples that illustrate why Gilgamesh falls into this type of story.

In Your Group… Choose a hero from a film or story Identify the heroic quality of that hero; what makes him/her a hero? How do these reflect on the values of our culture or the culture that he/she is a hero for? Be prepared to share it with the rest of the class in 5 minutes.