1. Characteristics of an epic:
The hero, generally male, is of noble birth or high position
The hero’s character traits reflect important ideals of his society
The hero performs courageous deeds that reflect the values of the times
His actions determine the fate of many

2. Characteristics of an epic continued:
The setting is vast
Written in formal diction with a serious tone
Characters have long, formal speeches
Hero’s journey (slides to follow)
Poem reflects timeless values (courage, etc)
Treats universal themes (good vs. evil, etc.)

3. Characteristics of an Epic
Usually contains several books or volumes
Many epic poems started from oral tradition or spoken poems that were memorized and recited ceremoniously.
Text often has rhyme/poetic devices
Alliteration
Epithets (descriptive word or phrase to accompany or replace a person’s name - “Brave Odysseus”
Repetition or recurring lines 3

4. Characteristics of an Epic
Starts “in media res” or “in the middle of”
The story begins in the middle and flashes back so the reader can understand the current situation.
Narrator invokes a muse (one of the 9 daughters of Zeus that give divine inspiration). 4

5. Key Elements and Hero’s Journey
The Odyssey
Key Elements and Hero’s Journey
The plot is complicated by supernatural beings or events.
The actions of the hero often determine the fate of a nation or group of people
The poem reflects values such as courage and honor.

6. The hero takes a journey to foreign lands.
3 phases of the hero journey:
Separation – a break away from local social order, the beginning of a quest.
Initiation – a long deep retreat inward with a series of chaotic encounters which provide new insight.
Return – reintegration into society, coming back as as a more evolved person.

7. The general points of the cycle include:
a test (to test worthiness to complete said quest)
a main antagonist, often supernatural
a magical/unreal world, unable to be visited by a normal human, that the hero visits (e.g. the underworld or the world of the gods)
a resurrection
(either from being dead or from a dead-like state of mind, or a hero who was thought to be dead who was rediscovered)

8. The Odyssey Sequal to The Iliad, an epic about the sacking of Troy
Follows Odysseus’ 10 year journey back to his island of Ithaca.
Encounters numerous obstacles as a result of angering Poseidon, God of the Sea. 8