The document provides background information about epic poems such as the works of Homer, Apollonius of Rhodes, and John Gardner's retelling of the myth of Jason and Medea. It discusses the characteristics of epic poems, including that they feature heroes on quests, supernatural elements, and elevated language. It also explains the dactylic hexameter structure used in classical epics, providing examples to illustrate how this poetic meter works.
1. What was John Gardener up to when he wrote Jason and Medeia? Hint: Find out more about the original Jason and the Argonauts!
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Editor's Notes
The original Jason and the Argonauts was written by Apollonius of Rhodes in the third century BC. He was an Egyptian Greek who was born in Alexandria. He composed the Argonautica when he was pretty young, and recited it in public, but was booed. He went to the Greek Island of Rhodes, worked on the poem some more, recited it, and everyone loved it. So he stayed in Rhodes for much of his life and called himself Apollonius of Rhoses. Later, when he was famous, he because the librarian at the famous Library of Alexandria.
![But before Apollonius of Rhodes came Homer ,[object Object],[object Object]](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)