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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?
Stating the theme
Invoking the muse
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
Note 
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