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Epic Poetry
Here is an important definition for you to know: An epic (from Greek: έπος or επικό, meaning
"word, story, or poem") is a long, narrative poem about the exploits (deeds) of a hero which
presents events significant to a culture or nation. The epic hero embodies important cultural
values of his/her community and often is aided by the supernatural in his/her quest.
The first epics are known as primary, or original, epics. Epics that attempt to imitate these like
Virgil's Aeneid and Milton's Paradise Lost are known as literary, or secondary, epics.
Epics have nine main characteristics:
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opens in media res (in the middle of the storyline).
The setting is vast, covering many nations, the world or the universe.
begins with an invocation to a muse.
starts with a statement of the theme.
the use of epithets.
includes long lists.
features long and formal speeches.
shows divine intervention on human affairs.
"Star" heroes that embody the values of the civilization.
TASK: Prove that “The Odyssey” is truly an epic. With a partner on one sheet of paper,
identify each of the nine characteristics above in the story. Use examples and/or explanations
from Books 1-16 for your support.
Epic Hero
An epic hero is a larger than life figure from a history or legend, usually favored by or
even partially descended from deities, but aligned more closely with mortal figures in popular
portrayals. The hero participates in a cyclical journey or quest, faces adversaries that try to
defeat him in his journey, gathers allies along his journey, and returns home significantly
transformed by his journey. The epic hero illustrates traits, performs deeds, and exemplifies
certain morals that are valued by the society from which the epic originates. They usually
embody cultural and religious beliefs of the people. Many epic heroes are recurring characters in
the legends of their native culture. Epic heroes are superhuman in that they are smarter, stronger,
and braver than average humans. An epic hero can also be a warrior of some sort who performs
extraordinary tasks that most find difficult. This hero is strong, smart, and brave.
Ancient epics (to 500)
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20th to 18th century BC:
o Epic of Gilgamesh (Mesopotamian mythology)
o Atrahasis (Mesopotamian mythology)
8th to 6th century BC:
o Enuma Elish (Babylonian mythology)
o Iliad, ascribed to Homer (Greek mythology)
o Odyssey, ascribed to Homer (Greek mythology)
o Works and Days, ascribed to Hesiod (Greek mythology)
o Theogony, ascribed to Hesiod (Greek mythology)
5th to 4th century BC:
o Mahābhārata, ascribed to Vyasa (Hindu mythology) (5th to 1st century BC)
o Ramayana, ascribed to Valmiki (Hindu mythology) (5th century BC to 4th
century AD)
o The Book of Job
3rd century BC:
o Argonautica by Apollonius of Rhodes
1st century BC:
o Aeneid by Virgil (Latin mythology)