the Odyssey - vocab 1

epic hero

Possesses superhuman strength, craftiness, and confidence

epic plot

Involves a long journey, full of complications

epic setting

Involves more than one nation

arcytype

Characters and images that are recognizable in many times and cultures

epic themes

Reflect such universal concerns as courage, a homecoming, and loyalty

epithet

A brief descriptive phrase used to characterize a particular person or thing

rhapsode

Messenger of oral history

foreboding

A sense of approaching evil

harried

Tormented; harassed

allusion

A reference to a famous

person, place, or event

epic similie

Comparison between two things, using the word like or as. Homer often develops these at great lengths

epic

Long narrative poem

invocation

A prayer to the muse to bless the story

hubris

Excessive pride or self-confidence

complacent

Self-satisfied to the point of being unaware of potential dangers