INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTIONtoto

EPIC POETRYEPIC POETRY

An epic poem has…

a hero who embodies national, cultural, or religious ideals

a hero upon whose actions depends the fate of his people

a course of action in which the hero performs great and difficult deeds

An epic poem has… a recognition of -- or intercession by

-- divine or supernatural powers

a concern with eternal human problems

a dignified and elaborate poetic style

Important “Primary” Epics

Iliad* (Greek) / Aeneid (Latin) Odyssey (Greek) / Ulysses (Latin)

Gilgamesh (Babylonian) Exodus (Hebrew) Beowulf * (Anglo-Saxon)

What do these primary epics have

in common? Each began as part of a culture’s oral tradition

ORAL TRADITION socio-/cultural values transferred generation-to-generation by traveling poets/bards who sang songs

about cultural heroes and values

POETRY because rhyme/meter is easier to memorize and more stable as passed-on

What is Epic What is Epic Poetry?Poetry?

Long narrative poem Written in an elevated/formal style

Celebrates the deed of a legendary hero or god

The Iliad “written” by Homer around (c.) 720 B.C.

Homer did not invent the story, but transcribed it into its longest-lasting form

All versions we read are translated from ancient Greek language – Translations can vary greatly

Called Iliad because “Ilium” was the Greek name for Troy – where the war took place. “Iliad” = “about Ilium”

The Trojan War (c. 1250 B.C.)Causes

Nuclear weapons?No!

Treaty violations?No!

Imperial aggression?No!

Trade dispute?No!

A WOMAN!

The Trojan WarThe Trojan War 1184 1184 BC/ BC/ 800800 BC BC

(written)(written) Main topic of The Iliad by Homer and latter The Aeneid by Virgil

Achaeans vs. Trojans (10 yrs.) Helen of Troy abducted by Paris

Achilles obtains from war in 10th yr. kills Hector the Trojan Prince

Wooden horse City captured Helen returned to Menelaus

Epic of Epic of GilgameshGilgamesh25002500 BC BC

11 Clay Tablets (story) 12th Tells of his ruling the netherworld

Most important epic poem in human history

Various adventures of hero-king searching for immortality

An account of the flood Characters

Gilgamesh (2/3 god & 1/3 human) Enkidu (wild man)

The OdysseyThe Odyssey 800 800 BC BC

Tale of Odysseus 10 yrs. in Trojan War 10 yrs. to get home Presumed dead wife Penelope fighting off suitors

Consists of 24 books

More about this one later…

Literary DevicesLiterary Devices

Alliteration-- repetition of of similar sounds especially initial consonant or stressed syllable (eg. Peter Piper picked a pair of pickled peppers])

Metaphor- comparison between two similar things

Simile- Comparison using “like or as”

Literary Devices Literary Devices Cont.Cont.

Epithet- brief phrase characterizes a person place or thing (eg. “the Lord of all Life”, “the Rule of glory,” “the Lord of heaven and earth”)

Kenning- two-word metaphorical name for something (eg. “sea-road” for ocean [30, line 239])

Literary Literary ElementsElements

Internal Conflict- Struggle that takes place within the mind of a character who is torn between opposing feelings and desires

External Conflict- When a character struggles against some outside force… Person, nature, society, or fate.

JournalJournal

Life is full of conflicts. For each of the types of conflict write a paragraph that gives details about your personal experience.

VilliansVillians

Journal Entry: Make a chart like the one below and fill it in with examples from today’s villains.VillainousDeeds

Enemies

Powers/

Abilities

Plots

HeroesHeroes

Journal Entry: Make a chart like the one below and fill it in with examples from today’s heroes.HeroicDeeds

Enemies

Powers/

Abilities

Virtues