Epics and Epic Heroes

What is an Epic?

n  A long story in poem form n  The epic is a story of the hero’s travels and his

fights with monsters and other creatures

What is an Epic?

n  Epics were originally sung n  Epics contained information about the culture

that created them n  Religion n  Dress n  Homes n  Weapons and War n  Roles of men and women n  Values and standards

What is an Epic?

Two types of Epics: ü  Folk Epic- oral compositions passed on

from storyteller to storyteller and has changed over time. Ex. – Gilgamesh, Beowulf, the Iliad, and the Odyssey

ü  Literary Epic- written compositions that are unchanged over time. Ex. -Aeneid and Paradise Lost

Epic Characteristics

There are five main epic characteristics.

Epic Characteristic #1 n  The hero is a great leader who is

identified strongly with a particular people or society.

Epic Characteristic #2

n  The setting is broad and often includes supernatural realms, especially the land of the dead.

Epic Characteristic #3 n  The hero does great deeds in

battle or undertakes an extraordinary journey or quest.

Epic Characteristic #4 n  Sometimes gods or other

supernatural or fantastic beings take part in the action.

Epic Characteristic #5

n  The story is told in heightened language

Epic Conventions

n  Epithet: a descriptive phrase that presents a particular trait of a person or thing. It can be a quick aid to characterization.

n  Ex: -Odysseus is a “raider of cities.” -Odysseus is “a man skilled in all ways of contending.”

What do all Epics have in common?

AN EPIC HERO WHO has/is: n  uncommon strength n  exceptional knowledge n  cunning (cleverness) n  courage n  daring

Traits of an Epic Hero

n  Has LARGER THAN LIFE qualities n  Possibly has supernatural powers

n  Can fly n  Can read minds n  Super human strength n  Etc…

Traits of an Epic Hero

n  Epic heroes have natural leader abilities

Traits of an Epic Hero

n  Defeats bad guys in the form of monsters or fights gods

n  Has good on his/her side n  Is smarter than most people

Traits of an Epic Hero

n  Has a weakness that usually defeats or destroys them

Traits of an Epic Hero

n  Makes long journeys, always on the move, travels often

Traits of an Epic Hero

n  Usually a skilled fighter