2. Epic
Long narrative poem
Aristocratic persons involved in a series of actions
usually significant in the development of a nation
Always germane (fitting/relevant) to the subject
Larger than life hero unifies the action
Passed by word of mouth from generation to
generation
Viewed as early history of peoples
Finally written down
Cultural records of societies
3. Epic Form
Hero has heroic and/or superhuman qualities
Poetic lines, formal tone
Supernatural forces such as gods, angels, and
demons are present—interest selves in the action
and intervene form time to time
Setting is vast in scope, covering great nations, the
world or the universe (upper/lower worlds)
4. Epic Form
Actions consists of deeds of great valor or
requiring superhuman courage
Begins in media res
Long time periods/journeys
Life and death struggle between good and evil
5. Conventions of an Epic
Opens with a theme
Invokes a Muse for inspiration
Catalogs of warriors and ships
Style is sustained elevation and grand simplicity
Epic poet recounts the deeds of heroes with
objectivity
Extended speeches by epic hero
7. Literary Devices
Epithet
A word or brief phrase used to characterize a person,
place or thing
Richard the Lionheart
Gray-eyed Athena
Gandolf the Gray
Kenning
A descriptive figure of speech that takes the place of a
common noun, especially in Norse/Anglo-Saxon poetry
Sea=whale road
King=ring-giver
8. Epic Hero
Always male in traditional epics
High social status
Fate affects his people’s destiny
Rarely modest, boasting common
Embodies ideals and values of his people
9. Beowulf
Oldest known epic
About the Danes and Geats
Also includes Swedes, Frisians, Franks, Heathobards
Beowulf a creation of the poet
No record of his actual existance