The Epic Of An Epic - 886 Words

In Literature, an epic is defined as a long poem, in which there are one or more heroes. The hero in the epics typically possesses god-like powers that allows for them to stand out in the midst of peculiar paranormal. As stated in unit one textual handout, the hero in an epic more than likely will have the fate of the entire nation, or human race depending on them to save their life or their offspring’s lives. An epic usually takes place in a vast geographic setting covering multiple cultures. There are also stylistic elements that are often present in the epic. For example, the style of writing is elevated and even often ceremonial and is sustained in tone and language throughout the narrative. In addition, the epic often begins with a prayer or an invocation to the Muse for inspiration in telling the story. The word inspired has different meanings in different cultures. In addition to these mentioned characteristics, most epic poems conventions have common themes. For exampl e, epics are â€Å"in medias res†, In Medias Res is Latin for it begins in the middle of things. Specifically, in Iliad, for example, the tale begins after the war between Greece and the forces of the walled city of Troy has been on going for approximately ten years. Another example of an epic starting in the middle can be found in the Odyssey. In the Odyssey, the story begins with the most of Odysseus journey already finished. The story up to that point is then told through flashbacks of Odysseus Show MoreRelatedThe Epic Of Epic : An Epic1126 Words   |  5 Pagesexamples. 4 points each. Epic: An epic is a form of narrative that revolves heavily around the idea of a hero becoming changed by his journey. They include long narratives by important characters, as well as create the idea that the events in the story actually happened or were a part of history. Epic heroes are considered as better than the average person and usually embark on a quest that changes them for the better. For example, the story of Gilgamesh is considered an epic because it is centeredRead MoreThe Epic Of Epic Heroes984 Words   |  4 PagesIn terms of epic poetry, the word â€Å"epic† depicts a lengthy poem containing heroic events (Hirsch 1). For one to be classified as a hero, one must display certain qualities and experience events that prove a character’s heroic potentials. Epic heroes are somewhat similar to superheroes, yet they are also different. Like epic heroes, superheroes endeavor challenging events to protect civilians and defeat villains. While the two types of h eroes are broadly alike, epic heroes are generally an evidentRead MoreThe Epic Of Epic Heroes884 Words   |  4 Pages Odysseus from the epic poem, The Odyssey and Beowulf in the story of Beowulf, are two epic heroes. What makes them epic heroes? Showing determination, strength, leadership and fighting battles no matter how far from home are characteristic of an epic hero. Beowulf and Odyssey, both had these qualities. They traveled great distances from home to lead in many battles to save people’s lives and land. They showed strength, skills, and courage during these battles, because no matter how big the enemiesRead MoreThe Epic Of Epic Poems1106 Words   |  5 Pages Epic poems played a significant role in maintaining historical events during the Middle Ages. With very little written records, epic poems were memorized and passed down as an oral communication for generations. Beowulf was an example of this type of story that may have existed for a century before it was documented. Unfortunately, due to this type of record keeping, there is no accurate account of the time frame that Beowulf was created or even by what author. It could be deduced that thisRead MoreThe Epic Of Epic Heroes2181 Words   |  9 Pagesembody the traits of epic heroes represent an integral part of ancient literature. In fact, what would literature be without epic heroes? How different would The Odyssey be if Odysseus never went on his epic journey? Would the epic poem Beowulf still be read today if the character Beowulf never challenged Grendel and Grendel’s mother? In the story, The Epic of Gilgamesh, characters, both men and women, exhibit characteristics th at could be considered heroic, but do they represent epic heroes? ApplyingRead MoreThe Epic Epics Of Antiquity880 Words   |  4 Pages From the Homeric epics of antiquity to Shakespeare’s plays in the seventeenth century stories have long been used as a way to express commentary on and examine societal issues. Today’s social commentary becomes even more dynamic as we now also use visual mediums such as television and movies as ways to convey these stories and they often work in conjunction with literature via adaptations. Perhaps the greatest illustration of this cross market, storytelling are comic book adaptations as seen withRead MoreThe Epic Of Beowulf As An Epic Hero1519 Words   |  7 Pageswhisked away following a journey, you have most likely read an epic. An epic by definition is â€Å"a long poem, typically one derived from ancient oral tradition, narrating the deeds and adventures of heroic or legendary figures or the history of a nation†. Every ep ic has a main character that undergoes the same archetypal journey as all other heroes, an epic hero. There are specific qualities one must have to be considered an epic hero. Each epic hero possesses superhuman strength, displays a strong senseRead MoreEpic Of Gilgamesh : The Epic Hero1641 Words   |  7 PagesMesopotamian hero, featured in the famous tale of â€Å"The Epic of Gilgamesh†, who embarks on a perilous quest for immortality. This idea, â€Å"†¦touches on the most fundamental questions of what it actually means to be human†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Homer 33), and gives us light into the minds of the people during the era. Gilgamesh’s tale gives us a glimpse at how the people of that day viewed a â€Å"hero†, and allows us to reflect upon what we consider a â€Å"hero† today. Using the Epic Hero Cycle, I will analyze Gilgamesh’s life and journeyRead MoreEpic Essay : An Epic Hero928 Words   |  4 PagesEPIC ESSAY ABOUT AN EPIC HERO Every epic story has an epic hero. All of these heroes, throughout all of literature, share three vital traits. These are what make heroes, well, heroes. Odysseus, the main character and hero of Homer’s The Odyssey, was on a perilous quest to get home and back to his family. Without his intelligence, without his courage, and most importantly without his determination, the great Odysseus never would have achieved such a goal. These three traits have immortalized himRead MoreThe Epic Of Beowulf As An Epic Hero711 Words   |  3 Pageswritings. Whether these are simple biographies or symbolic fictional works, stories are often based on someone greater than the writer. These â€Å"epic heros† are protagonists that fulfill their potential of greatness through using their bravery, strength and humility for good. The near ancient tale of Beowulf is a classic example of an epic story that contains an epic hero. In this tale Hrothgar, the king of the Danes, has been terrorized by a beast known as Grendel. This beast has been murdering the king’s