foundations of early literature. from oral to written -earliest literature was passed by word of...
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Foundations of Early Literature
From Oral to Written
-Earliest literature was passed by word of mouth-Connected with important activity (ex. Singing, storytelling, ritual, prayer, teaching, or even magic)-As civilizations progressed, they began writing
Early Forms of Literature (p. 30)
*Myths*Heroic Literature
Sacred VerseWisdom/ Proverbs
Folk Tales
Myths
• Traditional stories (often about gods/ goddesses)
• Serve to explain natural phenomena, human condition, or belief/ ritual
• Epic of Gilgamesh has several Sumerian myths in its plot
Heroic Literature
• Celebrates great deeds• Gilgamesh, king of Uruk,
celebrated in Sumerian legends
• Archetypes: hero, battle, journey and quest
Epic Poetry: a long narrative poem in elevated style presenting characters of high position in a series of adventures which form an organic whole to their society