The Epic

1. The Epic Epic Poetry A long narrative poem told in elevated diction which relates the great deeds of a larger-than-life hero who embodies the values of a particular society Characteristics • impressive hero of national or historic importance who embodies cultural values • Vast setting involving the known world as well as (sometimes) the land of the dead • A quest or journey in search of something of value • Evidence of supernatural forces at work • Complex; many characters; spans many years

2. The Epic Hero • Somewhere between a god and a mortal • Able to conquer most challenges, although he does not possess super powers • Faithful to family and country • Brave, intelligent, revered • A higher force or being may aid him on his quest

3. Homer • Traditionally recognized as the original creator of two epic poems, The Iliad and The Odyssey • Lived sometime in 2nd half of 8th century B.C. • A minstrel (or “rhapsode”) – traveled constantly singing songs and telling stories

4. Homer • Most traditions say he was blind • Though several cities try to claim him, generally believed to come from Chios in Ionia • Some say The Iliad and The Odyssey were written by 2 different authors due to stylistic differences • Some say the author may have been a woman • Homer is credited with the “Homeric simile” in which he compares the supernatural actions and events of the gods with normal scenarios that his ancient Greek audience would have understood