Epic Poetry

What is Epic Poetry?

Long narrative poem on a great and serious subject

Relayed in an elevated style

It is centered on a heroic / quasi-divine figure on whose actions depends on the fate of a tribe, a nation, or the human race.

Epic Poetry

The narrative of epic poetry opens by?

1. Stating the theme

2. Invoking the muse

3. Opening the narrative in medias res

The main character in an epic poetry is a hero who embodies what kind of deals?

Natural, cultural, or religious deals

In an epic poetry, there’s a course of action in which the hero performs ______ and ______ ______.

great and difficult deeds

What does the course of action in an epic poetry consist of?

The course of action consists of deeds of great valor or requiring superhuman courage.

Supernatural forces ______ themselves in the action.

interest

When writing epic poetry, the poet retains a measure of?

Objectivity

Give some examples of catalogs a poet would feature in an epic poetry.

Warriors, ships, armies, etc. characters

The original texts in epic poetry often have ______.

a) rhymes

b) tones

c) sounds

a) rhymes

What is the writer’s source of inspiration called?

Muse

What is a detailed comparison in the form of a simile that are many lines in length of an epic poetry?

Epic/Homeric simile

What is an unexpected character (usually a god) who appeared to saved another character called?

Deus ex machina

It is a descriptive word or phrase to accompany or replace a person’s name, like “Brave Odysseus” or “wine-dark sea”.

Epithet

Out of the two kinds of epic, this one is passed on orally.

Folk Epic Poetry

Out of the two kinds of epic, this one is written down.

Literary Epic Poetry

Give three examples of important primary epics.

Gilgamesh, Beowulf, and Divine Comedy

This is the most important character and represents the culture and society where he is from.

The Epic Hero

What are the 3 stages of the hero’s journey?

Separation, Initiation, and Return

Out of the 3 stages of the hero’s journey, this stage is when the hero is separated from his homeland or lover.

Separation

Out of the 3 stages of the hero’s journey, this stage is the fighting: when it is time for the readers to know the hero.

Initiation

Out of the 3 stages of the hero’s journey, this stage is when the hero goes back to where he came from. This is also the stage where the Epic hero could die.

Return

In the stage of Separation, what is the call to adventure?

It is when the hero becomes aware beyond normal existence.

In the stage of Separation, what is the refusal of the call?

It is when the hero denies abilities or desire to leave

In the stage of Separation, what is the crossing the threshold?

It is when the hero is tested and is pulled into new realm, often against his will.

Initiation

A series of tests to prove the hero

The ‘Road of trials’

Initiation

An offering is made

Meeting with the Goddess

Initiation

Hero is found occupied/distracted by selfish pleasures

Woman as temptress

Initiation

Hero comes to terms with the parent or protector

Atonement with the father

Initiation

Hero is transformed into full potential

Apotheosis

Initiation

A favor, blessing or benefit is bestowed to complete journey

The ultimate Boon

Return

Hero hesitates to return for various reasons

The refusal of the return

Return

Hero makes an extraordinary journey back, either reluctantly by force or by choice (with help).

The magical flight or rescue from without

Return

Hero has supernatural force help him across back over

Crossing the return Threshold

Return

Hero becomes a bridge or master between seemingly separate worlds

Master of two worlds

Return

Hero has the ability to move freely between seemingly separate worlds

Freedom to live

Give three characteristics of an Epic Hero.

Figure of nations or even cosmic importance— the ideal man of his culture

Possesses superhuman or divine traits

His actions consists of deeds of valor or superhuman courage