Elements of the Epic The Epic Hero Possesses

Elements of the Epic

The Epic Hero ● Possesses superhuman strength, craftiness, and confidence ● Helped or harmed by gods or fate ● Embodies the qualities valued by the culture ● Overcomes perilous situations

Epic Plot ● Depicts a long strange journey filled with such complications as: ○ Strange creatures ○ Treacherous weather ○ Divine intervention ○ Large-scale events

Epic Setting ● Includes fantastic or exotic lands ● Involves more than one nation or culture

Epic Themes ● Reflect universal concerns, such as: ○ Courage ○ Loyalty ○ Beauty ○ The fate of a nation ○ Life and death ○ A homecoming

Archetypes ● Characters and situations recognizable across times and cultures. ○ Brave hero ○ Sea monster ○ Suitor’s contest ○ Evil temptress ○ Loyal servant ○ Buried treasure

Archetypes

The Figurative Language of Homer ● Similes: The epic simile is more elaborate than a simile in a short poem. It does more than make a comparison; it also conveys an idea about what is being described. For example, a writer might compare someone’s voice to the melody of an angelic harp or the wailing of an emergency siren. ● Metaphor: A direct comparison, as in the metaphors for flowing blood: “crimson runnels, a river or mortal red. ” (Book 22, lines 17 -18)

The Figurative Language of Homer ● Epithets: The word epithet has multiple meanings. It can also refer to “an abusive or nasty phrase. ” However, it is not always negative. It is a phrase used to describe someone. Some epithets to describe Odysseus are “the master of battle” and “Son of Laertes. ” What epithet would you like for yourself? ● Allusions: Indirect reference to a well-known person, place, event, or literary work. This selection opens with an allusion to the Muses, daughters of Zeus who devoted themselves to the arts and inspiration. “Sing in me Muse” refers to Calliope, the muse of epic story-telling.

Book 1: The Wanderings of Odysseus- Vocabulary Muse: (Noun) A daughter a Zeus, credited with divine inspiration. In mythology, the Muses were nine goddesses who symbolized the arts and sciences. Today, a muse is a person who serves as an artist's inspiration. Often filmmakers talk about a certain actor being a muse — meaning the actor inspired a movie. Writers, painters, musicians, and other artists have muses. Synonyms/Antonyms: None Forms: Muses Example sentence: The new mother used her baby as her muse for writing a children’s story.

Book 1: The Wanderings of Odysseus- Vocabulary Harried: (adjective) tormented, harassed. ● Someone who is harried is feeling the stress of being rushed, overworked, or harassed. A harried parent might be exhausted but still have to make 3 dozen cupcakes for school and help with a science project. ● Harried comes from the verb harry, which itself is from the Middle English word herigan, meaning to pillage, plunder, or make war. Today, harried doesn't imply an act of war, but rather someone who is frazzled or a situation that might cause that feeling. If the project you're working on has been harried from start to finish, you'll be lucky to keep your sanity.

Book 1: The Wanderings of Odysseus- Vocabulary ● Synonyms: Annoyed, harassed, troubled, vexed, pestered ● Antonyms: calm, collected, happy, untroubled ● Forms: harry ● Example Sentence: The teacher wore a harried expression as she struggled to finish all her grading before the end of the term.

Book 1: The Wanderings of Odysseus- Vocabulary Plunder: (verb) To steal good; to take as spoils ● Plunder can mean stolen goods or money obtained illegally, or the act of taking those things. A burglar might plunder a jewelry store and then sneak off with her plunder. Synonyms: loot, pillage, take, steal, rob, raid Antonyms: Give, aid, guard, help, protect Forms: plundered, plundering Example Sencene: As Troy burned, the Greek army plundered the city, taking anything of value that they could.

Book 1: The Wanderings of Odysseus- Vocabulary Valor: (noun) the qualities of a hero or heroine; exceptional or heroic courage when facing danger (especially in battle). Valor is honor plus dignity. It’s gallant bravery and strength, especially on the battlefield or in the face of danger. It’s a trait for a hero. Synonyms: Gallantry, heroism, bravery, courage Antonyms: Cowardice, weakness, fear, timidity Forms: valorous Example Sentence: Despite being low in numbers, the warriors fought with amazing valor.

Book 1: The Wanderings of Odysseus- Vocabulary Reckless: (adjective) marked by defiant disregard for danger or consequences. If you are reckless, you don't think or care about the consequences of your words or actions, like a reckless driver who speeds while texting, knitting, and eating a sandwich. Synonyms: foolhardy, rash, heady, bold, careless, irresponsible Antonyms: thoughtful, careful, cautious, mindful, thoughtful Forms: recklessly, recklessness Example sentence: The reckless teens didn’t think about the consequences of their actions.