Epic and Myth

1
Epic and Myth

• Epic-a long narrative poem, written in dignified
  style, that celebrates the adventures and
  achievements of one or more heroic figures.

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Elements of Epics/Myths

• Epic Herothe central character in the epic who
  is driven by his desire to save his
  country/people during a time of crisis.
• Archetypes A character, image, or pattern of
  events that appear repeatedly.

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Characteristic of EPICS

• Written in the style of a long poem.
• Language is formal, lofty.
• Mood is serious.
• Protagonist undergoes many adventures
• Gods and monsters intervene in action
• Poet uses extended similes, called epic similes
  or homeric similes
• Poem begins in the middle of the action (known as
  in medias res)

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Epic Plot

• Epic plot involves the following
• Distant Journeys
• Supernatural Events
• Life and Death struggles between good and evil.
• Epics begin with an invocation (prayer) that is
  given by the muse (one of Zeuss 9 daughters).

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Epic Hero

• Characteristics of an epic hero
• Possesses unusual strength
• Courageous
• Cunning
• Does have a weapon of choice that can only be
  used by the heroOdysseuss weapon is his BOW.

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Structure of the Epic

• The speaker tells a story
• The action included extraordinary or
• superhuman deeds.
• The hero embarks on a long journey.
• Includes speeches by principal characters.
• The use of figurative language makes the
  narrative vivid and exciting.

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Myth

• Mytha traditional story with no known author.
• Most myths are about
• Creation of earth
• Love
• Adventure, trickery, or revenge

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Reading Epics/Myths

• Many myths began as oral traditions (sung aloud
  by rhapsodies who travelled).
• Usually give insight to human nature.
• Explore a range of human emotions anger, love,
  jealousy, rage, and vengeance.
• Are timeless because they have characteristics of
  a good story imaginative, interesting,
  inspiring, and authentic.

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Homer and the Epic

• Homers most famous compositions are the Iliad
  (story of the 10 year war) and the Odyssey (story
  of a long journey).
• Homer was a blind minstrel who would travel and
  tell of these stories.
• Greeks in the Odyssey are referred to as Acheans.

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Universal Themes

• The importance of heroism
• The strength of loyalty
• The power of love.
• The dangers of greed.

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Terms to know

• Epithets-any word or phrase applied to a person
  or thing to describe an actual or attributed
  quality (wily Odysseus)
• Epic Simile- Extended comparison using like or
  as
• Irony (verbal and dramatic)