1. EPIC POEMS

2. WHAT IS AN EPIC? Derives from Greek “epikos”, meaning poetic story
A long narrative poem (sometimes developed orally)
Among the earliest forms of literature
Reveal the value of the people creating them
Usually about heroic deeds

3. Common features of an epic
“In Medias Res” (in the middle of things)
Epic Hero on a Quest
Supernatural Forces
Valorous Deeds
Elevated Style
Evocation of a muse
A concern with eternal human problems

4. Epithet in epics
A word or phrase that describes a person’s attributes or qualites
Grey-eyed Athena
Swift-footed Achilles
Star-crossed lovers Romeo and Juliet

5. The epic hero *Embodies national, religious and cultural ideals
A hero that battles forces that threaten the world
Excels in skill, strength and courage
Succeeds in war and adventure
Values honor and glory
Usually has a guide
Battles demons or monsters

6. Epic heroes (continued)
Is generous to his followers but ruthless to enemies
Is a character of action
Accepts challenges and sometimes invites problems
Sometimes makes rash decisions and takes unnecessary risks
Meets monsters and temptations
Achieves his goal

7. Two types of epics Folk Epics Literary Epics
Arranged into larger works
Written down long after they were first composed
Beowulf and The Epic of Gilgamesh
Composed by individual authors who drew from the conventions of folk epics
Aeneid by Virgil and Paradise Lost

8. Examples of epic poetry
The Iliad (Homer)
The Odyssey (Homer)
Beowulf
Paradise Lost (Milton)
Divine Comedy (Dante)
Don Juan (Byron)