The Odyssey : A Folk Epic
• Prose or Poetry –
what’s the difference?
• The Odyssey
originated as oral
poetry
• Because of this,
“author” used
techniques that would
bring the audience
back
what do these terms
mean in relation to
poetry?
- Epic
- Folk Epic
- Simile
- Epithet
- Repetition
Epic
• A narrative poem that tells in an elevated
style the achievements and brave deeds
of heroic characters
• Miraculous events and supernatural being
often play a part in the epic
Folk Epic
• A narrative based on heroic legends.
• For example, the exploits of the Greeks
during the Trojan War – The Iliad, The
Odyssey served as great inspiration
Simile
• A Literary comparison using like or as
• Homer often employs epic simile – an
extended simile
• Can you find an example in you text –
• Book 6 line 130-135
• Odysseus…like some hill kept lion……
Epithet
• An adjective or descriptive term that points
out some trait of the person or thing being
considered.
• For example –
• “Gray-eyed Athena; Odysseus, canniest
men; cite other examples…
• Used very frequently
Repetition
• Repeating words or phrases for emphasis
as for retention
• “gray-eyed goddess Athena- long suffering
Odysseus
The Odyssey : A Folk Epic
• Homer did not
originate Greek epic
technique – rather he
may have used folk
epics
• The Odyssey is
similar to other early
folk epics like the Old
English Beowulf, and
Spanish Cid
• What exactly is a folk
epic?
The six characteristics of an epic
•
•
•
•
•
•
Significant hero
Vast setting
Valorous deeds
Supernatural forces
Style
Objectivity
• Some examples?
Significant hero
• Odysseus – king of Ithaca
• Known for his bravery in battle
• Greek gods to not respond to the troubles
of all men but they do help Odysseus
because he is worthy of their aid
Vast setting
• Many islands presumably in the
Mediterranean Sea and countries
surrounding it form the area covered by
Odysseus’ adventure
Supernatural forces
• The Greek gods and all their power
• Scylla, Charibdis, etc…..
Style
• The opening sentence show that the man
on whom the poem focuses is engaged in
a dangerous struggle that has significance
for both himself and his men
Objectivity
• The story is told in third person with little
comment.
• The narrator uses a few biased phrases
but for the most part is objective in his
presentation of the situation or the
characters
Other common devices
• Besides these general characteristics the epic poet also
used these devices or conventions in telling his tale
• Stating the theme
• Invoking the Muse
• Beginning in media res
• Supplying the exposition gradually
• Catalog of warriors
• Extended speeches
• Epic simile