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EQs:
 What is an epic poem, and how does it differ from other kinds of
poetry or storytelling?
 How have epic poems traditionally been transmitted from
generation to generation?
 How do tellers remember these long and complicated stories?
Objectives:
 Define epic poetry and be able to identify and describe the epic
hero cycle.
 Identify elements of epic poetry, including the epic hero cycle, in
stories they know already.
 Describe the way that narrative structures such as the epic hero
cycle help bards in the remembering and telling of these
immense and complicated works.
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The main character is a hero, who is often possessed of supernatural
abilities or qualities.
The hero is charged with a quest.
The hero is tested, often to prove the worthiness of himself and his
quest.
The presence of numerous mythical beings, magical and helpful
animals, and human helpers and companions
The hero’s travels take him to a supernatural world, often one that
normal human beings are barred from entering.
The cycle must reach a low point where the hero nearly gives up his
quest or appears defeated.
A resurrection.
Restitution. Often this takes the form of the hero regaining his rightful
place on the throne.
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The Epic of Gilgamesh
The Iliad
The Odyssey
The Aeneid
Beowulf
The Ramayana
Star Wars
The Lord of the Rings series
The Harry Potter series
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An epic poem is a long narrative poem that describes the
actions and travels of a heroic main character in elevated
language and style.
Epic poems were composed orally, often to music, for
recitation but were not written down until centuries later.
Besides length, serious subject matter and composition,
epic poems also share specific characteristics and style
elements.
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Invocation of the muse: Epic poems begin with the narrator's statement of
the poem's subject and his invocation to, or calling upon, a muse or other
divine entity to assist him in taking on the task of telling his story.
In medias res: All epic poems have an "in medias res," meaning "in the
midst of things," opening. That is, the poem opens in the middle of the
story's action, not the beginning.
Epic Simile: long, highly descriptive similes that clarify the subject; using
like or as.
Epithets and Patronymics: Characterizing words or phrases applied to a
person or thing and sometimes used in place of their actual name/title.
Patronymics, calling a son by his father’s name, is also frequently used.
Long Speeches, Histories and Descriptions: the hero and other important
characters often make long, formal speeches, such as challenges or points
of debate, in the middle of action. Epic poems also contain lengthy histories
and descriptions of important items/characters.
Gods, other deities and divine places: Usually act to assist the hero or
become an obstacle in his quest; whether for good or evil.
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RHYTHM / METRE – The flow or movement of words, phrases
and sound within a line of poetry
METRICAL FOOT/UNIT: a group of 2 or 3 syllables forming the
basic unit of poetic rhythm
o Ex: Iamb, anapest, trochee, spondee, dactyl….all have variations of
stressed and unstressed syllables.
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BLANK VERSE – Verse which is unrhymed but adheres to a
regular metrical pattern, usually iambic pentameter where each
line consists of ten syllables.
FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE - Language is described as figurative
when metaphors, similes, or symbols are used.
FREE VERSE – A form or arrangement of verse that is very
flexible and free from fixed patterns of meter and rhyme.
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The Iliad is composed in *dactylic hexameter — that is, each
line consists of six metrical units (hexameter), the basic
metrical unit being the dactyl (a long syllable followed by
two short syllables [ ̄ ̌ ̌ ], named after the Greek word for
"finger" [extend the index finger of your left hand and you
will see why]). Thus the basic pattern of each line in the
Iliad is diagrammed as follows (the final ⊗ indicates a
syllable that can be either long or short (anceps) — note
how the last foot is cut short (syncopation), a device that
serves to highlight the end of each line and so distinguish
one line from another):
̄̌̌ | ̄̌̌ | ̄̌̌ | ̄̌̌ | ̄̌̌ | ̄⊗
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X15BI8xL0W0
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You will receive a copy of lyrics
First, just listen, then listen and look.
Finally, complete a close reading and annotate the poem
Determine rhyme scheme