Epic & Myth

1. Epic & Myth A brief look

2. Epic & Myth • Many centuries ago, before books, magazines, paper, and pencils were invented, people recited their stories • Some of the stories they told offered explanations of natural phenomena, such as thunder & lightning or the cultures customs or beliefs

3. The Epic • An epic is a long narrative poem about a serious subject • The purpose of an epic is to entertain, to teach, and to inspire with examples of how people can succeed against great odds

4. Epic Heroes & Gods • The action in an epic centers on the epic hero • An epic hero’s primary goal is usually to save his nation or its people during a time of crisis • Gods may take part in the action or at least take an interest in what happens, sometimes intervening (coming in-between) to affect the course of events

5. Structure • The way the author organizes images, ideas, words, and lines is called structure Twinkle, twinkle, little star,
 How I wonder what you are!
 Up above the world so high,
 Like a diamond in the sky!

 When the blazing sun is gone,
 When he nothing shines upon,
 Then you show your little light,
 Twinkle, twinkle, all the night.

 Then the traveller in the dark,
 Thanks you for your tiny spark, 
He could not see which way to go, If you did not twinkle so.



6. Invocation • Like many epics, the Odyssey begins with an invocation • An invocation is a request to a muse to provide inspiration • In Greek mythology, the muses are 9 goddesses who preside over the arts & sciences & inspire those who show talent in these areas

7. Myth • A myth is a traditional story of anonymous origin • Many myths are about the creation of earth • Others are about love, adventure, trickery, or revenge • In many myths, human action is controlled or guided by gods & other supernatural beings • Many myths began as a part of the oral tradition, or literature that passes by word of mouth from 1 generation to the next • Oral literature was a way of recording the past, glorifying leaders, and teaching morals & traditions to young people.

8. Archetype • Thing, person, or pattern of circumstances that appears repeatedly in literature. • Most ancient myths, folktales, fables, ballads, and legends contain archetypal characters such as the evil villain, the lovesick suitor, and the fool. • There also maybe archetypal themes such as the hidden treasure or the rite of passage.

9. Hero • A hero is the main character in a literary work • His or her admirable character traits or noble actions wake the appreciation of the reader • While epic heroes are traditionally male, women can also be heroes • Modern heroes include comic book superheroes such as Superman

10. 2 Types of Heroes • Tragic Hero • Epic Hero

11. The Tragic Hero • A person of great ability who comes to grief (hardship) because of a fault within his or her character • This fault is a tragic flaw • Example of tragic flaw: • Too much pride, ambition, or anger

12. The Epic Hero • An Epic is a long narrative poem that recounts the actions, adventures, and travels of a heroic figure called the epic hero. • The epic hero-(insert the 8 characteristics of an epic here here) • Along the way, natural or supernatural beings test the hero’s bravery, wits, and battle skills

13. Gods and Monsters • Epics often feature gods and monsters that hold power over the human world. • Gods have the power to create and destroy, and they use that power at will • Often it is the task of the epic hero to subdue a monster or appease the gods.

14. Quickwrite • If you could create an epic god or goddess, what would he or she look like? What would be their power? Who could they control? • Write a description of your monster and its powers or abilities.