1. Elements of epic literature…

2. Elements of Epic-ness Epic Hero Epic Society Epic Plot Epic Setting
Archetypes
Epic Language
Epic Themes

3. Epic hero Possess super human strength, craftiness, and confidence
Either helped or harmed by the gods
They have ideals/ values that the culture admires
Manages to stay alive in dangerous situations

4. Epic Hero Cont…
After his death, the epic hero achieves a glorified status not possible while he lived.
His passing represents the end of an era, or the end of his civilization.

5. Epic Society
Like Beowulf, the epic hero’s society is organized as a warrior caste system, with the upper class members trained in the art of physical combat.
An air of tragic seriousness dominates an epic as the society comes under attack, often by supernatural beings, such as gods, or monsters.

6. Epic Plot Must involve a LONG journey with complications:
Strange creature
Divine intervention
(gods helping or hurting)
Large-scale events
Treacherous weather

7. All for Goodness and Glory
Beowulf embodies the values of his society, such as courage, strength and the unwavering commitment to glory.
In the epic, the hero will make a quest for glory, even if it results in his own death.
By risking his life, the epic hero elevates his own nature, and his death ennobles his followers

8. Epic Setting They must go to strange, fantastic or exotic lands
Usually involve “upper” and “lower” worlds. (ie heaven/hell)

9. Archetypes
Archetypes are characters, situations, and images that are present in many times and cultures:
Sea monster/ Dragon
Wicked temptress
Buried treasure
Epic hero

10. Language of the Epic
Kennings: a metaphorical phrase or compound word used to name a person, place, thing or idea
Whale Road = the ocean
Shepherd of Evil = Grendel
God’s Candle = The Sun

11. Language cont… Kennings fulfill three things
Anglo/Saxon poetry depends on Alliteration but neither had a large vocabulary, so they combine words to make alliterations.
Easier to memorize, since all stories were oral.
People liked and valued elaboration, so the complex kennings satisfied this desire
Alliteration: repetition of a consonant sound at the beginning of the word.
Sally sells sea shells by the sea shore.

12. Epic themes Reflects universal themes: Courage Fate of a nation
A homecoming
Beauty
Loyalty
Life and death

13. Can you… Think of any epic stories or heroes?
As we read The Odyssey (an epic poem) look for elements that make it epic!