1. EPIC
Literary Styles

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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)

5. 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

6. 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”

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

8. 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