1. Characteristics of the Epic An epic is a long narrative poem that recounts the adventures of an epic hero, a larger-than-life figure who undertakes a great journey and performs deeds requiring remarkable strength and cunning An epic is a long narrative poem that recounts the adventures of an epic hero, a larger-than-life figure who undertakes a great journey and performs deeds requiring remarkable strength and cunning Epic Hero Epic Hero Possesses superhuman strength, craftiness, and confidence Possesses superhuman strength, craftiness, and confidence Is helped and harmed by interfering gods Is helped and harmed by interfering gods Embodies ideas and values that a culture considers admirable Embodies ideas and values that a culture considers admirable Emerges victorious from perilous situation Emerges victorious from perilous situation

2. Characteristics of the Epic Con. Epic Plot Epic Plot Involves a long journey, full of complications, such as strange creatures, divine intervention, large-scale events, treacherous weather. Involves a long journey, full of complications, such as strange creatures, divine intervention, large-scale events, treacherous weather. Epic Setting Epic Setting Includes fantastic or exotic lands Includes fantastic or exotic lands Involves more than one nation Involves more than one nation

3. Archetypes Archetypes are characters, situations, and images that are recognizable in many times and cultures. Archetypes are characters, situations, and images that are recognizable in many times and cultures. Some examples are Some examples are Sea monster Sea monster Wicked temptress Wicked temptress Buried treasure Buried treasure Suitors’ Contest Suitors’ Contest Epic hero Epic hero Loyal Servant Loyal Servant

4. Epic Narration Characteristics An epic poem is narrated in predictable ways: An epic poem is narrated in predictable ways: In an invocation, the poet narrator starts the poem by stating the tale’s subject and asking for a poetic inspiration from a guiding spirit. In an invocation, the poet narrator starts the poem by stating the tale’s subject and asking for a poetic inspiration from a guiding spirit. The narrator begins telling the tale in the “in the middle of things” (“in medias res”) describing what is happening after certain important events that have already occurred. The narrator begins telling the tale in the “in the middle of things” (“in medias res”) describing what is happening after certain important events that have already occurred. The narrative includes speeches by principle characters - including gods and antagonists of the epic hero - which reveal their personalities. The narrative includes speeches by principle characters - including gods and antagonists of the epic hero - which reveal their personalities. The narrative’s tone and style are formal rather than conversational. The narrative’s tone and style are formal rather than conversational. The use of figurative language makes the narrative vivid and exciting for listeners and readers. The use of figurative language makes the narrative vivid and exciting for listeners and readers.

5. Greek Themes and Values Remember that in Greek culture, poetry is considered an aspect of education. Remember that in Greek culture, poetry is considered an aspect of education. Here are six of the major themes or lessons that the ancient Greeks wanted to teach their children through poetry like the Odyssey. Here are six of the major themes or lessons that the ancient Greeks wanted to teach their children through poetry like the Odyssey. Respect for the gods and goddesses Respect for the gods and goddesses The importance of home and family The importance of home and family Acts of courage, strength, and leadership Acts of courage, strength, and leadership Concern for the welfare of others Concern for the welfare of others Displays of intelligence, curiosity, and cleverness Displays of intelligence, curiosity, and cleverness Obedience to leaders Obedience to leaders