Epic Poetry Obj: I will learn the elements of an epic poem

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Epic PoetryObj I will learn the elements of
an epic poem
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What is an Epic

• An epic is a long narrative poem celebrating the
  adventures and achievements of a hero... epics
  deal with the traditions, mythical or historical,
  of a nation.

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Characteristics of the Epic Poem

• Main character larger than life hero, often
  subject of legend or a national hero
• Hero is charged with a quest
• He is tested, often to prove worthiness.
• Often presence of mythical helpers or beings

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Characteristics - Continued

• Heros travels can take him all over the world or
  to mythical places
• There is usually a low point where the hero
  almost gives up
• A resurrection
• Restitution. Takes his rightful place

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The Illiad

• The poem concerns events during the tenth and
  final year in the siege of the city of Ilion or
  Troy, by the Greeks.

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The Odyssey

• The poem is, in part, a sequel to Homers Iliad
  and mainly centers on the Greek hero Odysseus and
  his long journey home to Ithaca following the
  fall of Troy.It takes Odysseus ten years to
  reach his kingdom of Ithica after the ten-year
  Trojan War.

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Gilgamesh

• The essential story revolves around the
  relationship between Gilgamesh, a king who has
  become distracted and disheartened by his rule,
  and a friend, Enkidu, who is half-wild and who
  undertakes dangerous quests with Gilgamesh. Much
  of the epic focuses on Gilgameshs thoughts of
  loss following Enkidus death.

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Processing

• Divide your left side into eight squares.
• You will make a flow map or cartoon of a story
  that follows the epic cycle.
• Label each cycle and explain what the hero is
  doing.
• Then draw a picture of what is happening.