EpicEpic Poems

What is an Epic?

•An epic poem is a long, serious, poetic narrative about a significant event, often featuring a hero.

•They used to be memorized and passed on as oral tradition. Eventually they have been translated on to paper.

•The speaker is the narrator.

What is an Epic?

Epic Poetry•The theme or subject of the tale is important.

•The setting is huge (sea, world, universe)

•Its purpose is to teach and inspire the listener to aim for success even in the face of obstacles.

Structure•Epics are traditionally considered poetry

•The Odyssey begins “in media res”, which means in the middle of things.

•Flashbacks are used to explain what happened up to the starting point.

Structure

•Tone is formal, rather than conversational.

•Figurative language is used to create vivid mental images to the listener.

Structure Continued

Epic Hero1.Main character is hero who seems to have

supernatural abilities. Odysseus befriends others with supernatural powers

2..The hero is charged with a quest.The whole epic “The Odyssey” is about

the many journeys of Odysseus3. The hero is tested to prove his worthiness.

Odysseus must overcome obstacles and temptations.

Qualities of an Epic Hero

Epic Hero continued

• The hero’s travels take him to a supernatural world.–Enters underworld.

• The hero nearly gives up.• The hero experiences a resurrection of

will.• Restitution: The hero regains what is

rightfully his.

Epic Hero Cont.

The Odyssey• Written by Homer in 8th century BC.• It was probably written near the coastal

islands of Greece.• The poem is about the hero Odysseus and

his long journey home after the fall of Troy. It takes him 10 years to reach home after the Trojan War. Along the way home he encounters a variety of obstacles, ranging from being imprisoned by a Cyclops, to being seduced by a witch.

About The Odyssey