 An epic is a long narrative poem written in a dignified style about a hero or heroes.

A.Good vs. Evil B.Use of the supernatural (gods are often involved in the struggle) C.Significant to a culture D.Hero is always a person of royalty or of high position

The hero or heroine is a character whose actions are inspiring or noble. A. Has and is recognized for superior gifts. B. Still remains an individual who differs from other people only in the degree of power C. Strong emphasis on the hero’s divine virtues D. Admired because the hero embodies the qualities of physical strength and character that all people aspire to have E. Greatest heroes are those in war F. Heroes often act from a desire for knowledge and adventure, but what causes them to be inspired varies (a quest) a. Religion b. Love of the hero’s country

 This hero often has few ties or loyalties.  He needs strength, courage, resourcefulness, and the ability to lead and inspire men  He possesses technical knowledge to function in the modern society

History:  Long narrative poem about a Sumerian king named Gilgamesh  He lived between B.C.  Tales of this epic were told and handed down by Sumerians in the 21 st Century B.C. hundreds of years after his death.  After Babylonia conquered Samaria around 2000 B.C., a Babylonian author took these tales and created a unified epic.

History continued…  Over time, other Babylonians modified the epic.  In the 7 th century B.C., the epic was included in King Ashurbanipal of Assyria’s library.  After the fall of Babylonia the epic was survived only through folklore.  In the 1800s, archeologists discovered the epic written in cuneiform on clay tablets.

3000 BC BC.2000 BC BC. Gilgamesh, legendary king of Uruk, Rules Written composition of The Epic of Gilgamesh begins Sumerian State Develops Scribal Schools in Sumeria are established Sumerians develop written language in cuneiform

Themes: 1. How to become known and respected 2. How to cope with loss 3. How to accept the inevitability of your own mortality

1. Explains origins of the world 2. Explains natural phenomena 3. Describes death 4. Describes the nature and function of Divinities 5. Provide models of virtuous behaviors 6. Depict humans as an integral (important) part of their larger universe

1. They address the great questions of humanity: a. Who am I? b. What part do I play in my universe? c. What must I do to survive? d. How do I lead a satisfying life? e. How do I balance personal desire and responsibility? 2. Myths show anthropomorphism – the divinity speaks and acts like humans; in this way humanity relates to the gods.