10th grade english honors- greek mythology

invocation

When you turn towards or call a god-like figure and pray or ask them for assistance.

hubris

Excessive pride or self-confidence.

epic poem

A lengthy narrative in verse form. It retells the heroic journey of a single person or a group of people and their adventures with gods and other superhuman forces.

epic simile

An extended simile which often runs over multiple lines. Epic similes are most often used in epic poetry to heighten the heroic nature of the protagonist.

formulaic structure

A repetitive formal structured writing.

epithets

The adjective or phrase that is most commonly known as a characteristic of a person or a thing.

In media res

The practice of starting a heroic or other story by leading into a crucial event that is tied to a series of occurrences.

Nostos

A very specific genre of poetry/type of poem, usually a hero’s return as a voyage through the sea.

muse

A deity or goddess that helps guide their followers towards ideas or discoveries, or gives artistic inspiration.

bard

A poet/story telling entertainer.

xenia

Greek concept of hospitality.