What is an epic? 1. A long narrative poem on a great and serious subject 2. Narrated in an elevated style, and centered on a heroic or quasi-divine figure on whose actions depends the fate of a tribe, a nation, or the human race.

3. The hero is a figure of great national or even cosmic importance-usually the ideal man of his culture.

4. The action consists of deeds of valor or superhuman courage (especially in battle).

What are the characteristics of an epic poem?

There are nine key characteristics of an Epic Poem:

1. It opens in medias res (in the middle of things).

2) The setting is vast and it covers many nations, the under world and the universe.

3) It usually begins with an invocation to Muse.

4) It starts with a statement of the theme.

5) The use of Epithets. A characterizing word or phrase used in place of a name of a person or thing.

6) It includes long lists.

7) It features long and formal speeches.

8) It shows divine intervention on human affairs.

9) The Heroes embody the values of civilization.

What are the characteristics of an epic hero?

1. The hero is introduced in the midst of turmoil, at a point well into the story; prior action will be narrated in flashbacks.

2. The hero is not only a warrior and a leader, but also a polished speaker who can address councils of chieftains or elders with eloquence and confidence.

3. The hero, often a demi-god, possesses distinctive weapons of great size and power, often heirlooms or presents from the gods.

4. The hero must undertake a long, perilous journey, often involving a descent into the Underworld which tests his endurance, courage, and cunning.

5. Although his fellows may be great warriors (like Achilles, or group of noble followers with whom he grew up), he undertakes a task that no one else dare attempt.

6. The hero possesses abundantly whatever virtues his race most prizes 6. The hero possesses abundantly whatever virtues his race most prizes. He is a cultural example. His key quality is often emphasized by his stock epithet: "Resourceful Odysseus"

7. The hero gains honor, not by slaying a lesser mortal, but only by challenging heroes like himself or adversaries of superhuman power.

8. The two great epic adversaries, the hero and his antagonist, meet at the climax, which must be delayed as long as possible to sustain maximum interest.

9. The hero's epic adversary is often a "god-despiser," one who has more respect for his own mental and physical abilities than for the power of the gods.

10. The hero may encounter a numinous phenomenon (a place or person having a divine or supernatural force) such as a haunted wood or enchanting sorceress that he must use strength, cunning, and divine assistance to overcome.

Who is Homer?

Homer is the legendary poet credited with writing the Iliad and the Odyssey. His works tell stories of heroes, gods, and monsters and explore themes of fate and destiny.

Did he really exist?

Scholars disagree about whether or not Homer wrote the Iliad and the Odyssey.

Tradition says he was born in western Asia Minor and was blind Tradition says he was born in western Asia Minor and was blind. If he existed, he may have been the greatest in a long line of Greek epic story tellers.

Timeline of Events: 1. Troy 2. Cicones 3. Lotus Eaters 4. Cyclopes 5 Timeline of Events: 1. Troy 2. Cicones 3. Lotus Eaters 4. Cyclopes 5. Aeolus and back 6. Laestrygonians 7. Circe 8. Tiresias, the Underworld, Hades 9. Back to Circe 10. The Sirens 11. Scylla and Charybdis 12. Thrinacia, Helios’ Cattle 13. Calypso 14. Phaecians, Nausicaa 15. Ithaca

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The Odyssey Quiz Word Bank: Odysseus. Antinoos. Eurimachus Penelope The Odyssey Quiz Word Bank: Odysseus Antinoos Eurimachus Penelope Mentor Telemachus Hermes Ithaca Nausicaa Arete Phaeacia Trojan Nestor Laertes Muse Orestes Melantho Calypso Menelaus Athena Eurycleia Poseidon Helen