EPICS & MYTHS: The OdysseyEnglish 9/Mrs. Kelley

What is an “epic”?

• The word “epic” is used all the time. So what does the word even mean?

Epic DefinitionFull Definition of EPIC• 1: of, relating to, or having the characteristics

of an epic <an epic poem> • 2 : extending beyond the usual or ordinary

especially in size or scopeExamples of EPIC• The football game was an epic battle between two great

teams.• The bridge was an epic achievement.• The company is engaged in an epic struggle for survival.• an accomplishment of epic proportions

Oral Tradition• Oral tradition refers to the literature they

passed down through word of mouth• Because of this, the basic story stayed the same

but some of the details changed over time.• Little tricks were built in to the story to make it

easy to remember: like rhyme and repetition

Universal Themes• A universal theme is an insight into life and

human nature that appears in the literature of many different times and cultures.

• Universal themes transcend time and culture.• Universal themes concern fundamental ideas

such as heroism, loyalty, love, leadership, and good vs. evil.

Literary Archetypes• An archetype is an element of literature that reoccurs throughout the literature of different cultures.• Characters types, plot patterns, images and symbols all may be archetypes.

Forms of the Oral Tradition

• Forms of oral tales include:

Myths• Describes the actions of gods or heroes or

explains the origins of elements of nature• Is present in the literature of every culture

(Ancient Greek or Roman Myths are known as classical mythology)

• EXAMPLE: Story of Prometheus

Folk Tales• Follows a simple formula• Deals with heroics, adventure, magic, or

romance• Frequently features animal characters with

human traits, such as the trickster Coyote• Includes fables and fairy tales• EXAMPLE: Jack and the Bean Stalk

Goldilocks and the Three Bears

Legends

• Recounts the adventures of a hero from the past

• Often relates events that are based on historical truth

• Includes tall tales, which feature exaggeration• EXAMPLE: Robinhood

Epics• Is a long narrative poem• Combines feature of myths and legends• Depicts a larger-than-life hero who usually goes

on a dangerous journey; the hero is helped or hindered by supernatural creatures or gods

• Gives a detailed portrait of a culture• EXAMPLE: The Odyssey

Where do Epics come from?

• Almost 300 THOUSAND years ago, people from the country of Greece were telling tales (stories) of a great war.

What came first the Iliad or the Odyssey?

• The epic tales of the Iliad and the Odyssey are from the same story.

• The Iliad tells of the story of the great war.• The Odyssey tells of Odysseus’s long and

dangerous journey come after the war.

Who is Homer?

• The man who is said to have later gathered and retold all of these tales is a man named Homer.

So what is an epic tale?• An epic is a long narrative poem that relates important events in the history or folklore

of the culture in which it was produced. • Its central character or

epic hero is a larger than life figure who embodiestraits that the culturevalues.

Literary Devices used in Epics– Opening invocation to the Muse– Starting the story “in medias res”– Lofty Style: Elegant style– Objective Tone– Meter, or fixed rhythmic pattern– Epithet: A characterizing phrase for a person,

place, or thing.

– Epic Simile: A long comparison over many lines of the poem, comparing something extraordinary to something very common and everyday.

Homeric Similes• A long comparison, over many lines.• A simile that compares epic events to simple

and easy to understand events so that the audience can understand.

• EXAMPLE: “she brushed it away from his skin as lightly as when a mother brushes a fly away from her child who is lying in sweet sleep.

What is an epithet?• is a descriptive term (word or phrase) or a

descriptive title• EXAMPLE: Alexander the Great

Mrs. Kelley, the Freshman tamer

What are the characteristics of an Epic?

1. A physically impressive hero of national or historical importance

Characteristics of an Epic2. A vast setting involving much of the known physical

world and sometimes other universes as well

Characteristics of an Epic3. Action such as a quest or journey taken in

search of something of value

Characteristics of an Epic4. Evidence of supernatural forces at work

Characteristics of an Epic5. Glorification of the hero at the end

Characteristics of an Epic

6. A rootedness in a specific culture and society

Greek Cultural Values

1. A belief that gods and goddesses were a part of everyday life of people

2. Hospitality: strangers should always be welcomed and treated like friends

3. A belief in prophecy

What characteristics make up a hero?

• Brave• Smart• Strong• great warrior• larger-than-life man • national hero who embodies the traits that

his society values most highly • What else?

Let’s read The Odyssey!

As we read The Odyssey, look for the 6 characteristics of an epic story.

Also look for characteristics of a HERO.