EPIC

EpicOne of the earliest forms of literatureLong narrative poem that recounts the adventures of a legendary hero in pursuit of a goal of national importance. The hero’s accomplishments reflect the values of his culture and usually figure prominently in the history or mythology of his people.

Epic ConventionsThe first factor that distinguishes the epic from other forms of poetry is scale

Epic poems tend to be too long to be read or performed in a single sitting

2nd distinguishing factor is style

Epic poems are written in a high or lofty styleThis technique is meant to convey the importance of the events

3rd distinguishing featureEpic poems always deal with people and events that are considered to be historically real by the poet and their audience

Could be events from history or mythology

Example – The Iliad takes place during the Trojan War, a war in which the Greeks invaded and conquered the city of Troy

4th distinguishing featureOpens by stating the subject or purpose, followed by an invocation of a muse (a spirit though to inspire an artist) or supernatural force who would help to tell the story

5th distinguishing featurePlot begins in media res – Latin for “in the middle of things”

In other words, the reader joins the story in the middle of the action

Epic HeroCentral character of an epic

Epic Hero Cycle1. Birth - unusual

circumstances surround birth / childhoodBorn to royalty, in danger at birth, or some other circumstances that sets him apart from other

Call to AdventureThe hero is called by some external event or personThe hero may accept the call willingly or reluctantly

HelpersDuring the early stages of the journey, the hero will often receive aid from a protective figure. This supernatural helper can take a variety of forms, such as a wizard, an old man, or a fairy godmother. The helper commonly gives the hero a protective amulet or weapon for the journey

TestsThe hero travels and must undergo a series of tests in order to prove himselfSuccessfully completing each task proves that the hero is above the common man

Climax / Final TestHero starts to lose – descends into a kind of hellThis hell may be physical, mental, or spiritual, and it represents the moment the hero learns the most about himself

Climax / Final TestThe hero might succumb to the hell they find themselves in

Climax / Final TestOr they may choose to overcome the test and remain “good”

ReturnHero returns to the “everyday world”

The object, knowledge, or blessing the hero was rewarded with after the final test is put to use

Types of EpicsFolk Epic – stories about heroes that were recited as entertainment and passed down from one generation to the next.

Written down long after they were first composed

Literary EpicsWritten by individual authors, drawing on the style and conventions of the folk epic