Epic Poems and Epic Heroes

Epic Poem Characteristics

• a long narrative poem detailing the deeds of a great leader strongly identified with a particular culture

Epic Characteristics

• the setting is broad and often includes supernatural elements
• the hero takes on an extraordinary quest
• some supernatural beings partake in the story
• the story is told in very formal language

Epic Conventions

• begin with an invocation of the muse
• the story begins "in medias res" (in the middle of things)
• the story focuses on the fate of a people
• kennings, alliteration, epic similes

Epic Conventions, Con't.

• symbolism
• epithets (names to add description, repetition, to help memory)
• references to the number 3 (reference to Christianity)
• catalogs/lists of people, places
• extensive battle scenes
• stock episodes (scenes that appear in great stories)

Epic Hero

• the central figure in a long narrative that reflects the values and heroic ideals of a particular society

Epic Hero, Con't.

• superhuman; he is braver, stronger, smarter, and cleverer than an ordinary person.
• on a quest for something of great value to him or to his people.
• often of mixed divine and human birth and so possesses human weakness