ADVANCED ENGLISH 3-4
Ms. LeCren, La Jolla High School
Name:________________________________________
Period:____ Date:______________________________
Notes on Epic Conventions
Directions: Read the following epic conventions and memorize them. You will be asked to apply them to
several epics in world literature, including The Epic of Gilgamesh, The Iliad, The Odyssey, The Aeneid and
several additional epic pieces of literature.
Characteristics of an Epic:
1.
is a long narrative poem
2.
the hero embodies the ideals of the nation or the culture
3.
the epic appears in the early stages of nationalistic or cultural
consciousness
4.
the subject of the epic is the struggle for something that symbolizes a
value of the culture
5.
the hero is aided by divine or supernatural forces
6.
the epic is serious and written in an elevated style
Classical Epic Conventions:
7.
invocation to the muse by the poet
8.
the story begins in media res
9.
catalogs (long lists)
10. descriptions of weapons or armor
11. address to the host (stirring speech made by leader to inspire his men to
heroism)
12. descent to the underworld (hero goes to learn something he can find no
other way; trip symbolizes facing death)
13. epic similes (extended similes)
14. Homeric epithets (i.e. Apollo of the Silver Bow)
Steps in the Typical Epic Journey:
15. the mysterious birth of the hero
16. acquiring a sidekick
17. first major battle, usually single combat, with special weapon
18. the quest (often for the meaning of life)
19. experiences with evil and good women
20. meeting and forming friendship with a mentor
21. trip to the underworld and/or knowledge of death
22. the last great battle of good and evil
23. triumphant return / the restoration of order