1 / 11

Epic and Myth

Epic and Myth. Epic-a long narrative poem , written in dignified style , that celebrates the adventures and achievements of one or more heroic figures. Elements of Epics/Myths.

viho
Download Presentation

Epic and Myth

An Image/Link below is provided (as is) to download presentation Download Policy: Content on the Website is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use and may not be sold / licensed / shared on other websites without getting consent from its author. Content is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use only. Download presentation by click this link. While downloading, if for some reason you are not able to download a presentation, the publisher may have deleted the file from their server. During download, if you can't get a presentation, the file might be deleted by the publisher.

E N D

Presentation Transcript

  1. Epic and Myth • Epic-a long narrative poem, written in dignified style, that celebrates the adventures and achievementsof one or more heroic figures.

  2. Elements of Epics/Myths • Epic Hero—the central character in the epic who is driven by his desire to save his country/people during a time of crisis. • Archetypes: A character, image, or pattern of events that appear repeatedly.

  3. Characteristic of EPICS • Written in the style of a long poem. • Language is formal, lofty. • Mood is serious. • Protagonist undergoes manyadventures • Gods and monsters intervene in action • Poet uses extended similes, called epic similes or homeric similes • Poem begins in the middle of the action (known as in medias res)

  4. Epic Plot • Epic plot involves the following: • Distant Journeys • Supernatural Events • Life and Death struggles between good and evil. • Epics begin with an invocation (prayer) that is given by the muse (one of Zeus’s 9 daughters).

  5. Epic Hero • Characteristics of an epic hero: • Possesses unusual strength • Courageous • Cunning Does have a weapon of choice that can only be used by the hero—Odysseus’s weapon is his BOW.

  6. Structure of the Epic • The speaker tells a story • The action included extraordinary or superhuman deeds. • The hero embarks on a long journey. • Includes speeches by principal characters. • The use of figurative language makes the narrative vivid and exciting.

  7. Myth • Myth—a traditional story with no known author. • Most myths are about: • Creation of earth • Love • Adventure, trickery, or revenge

  8. Reading Epics/Myths • Many myths began as oral traditions (sung aloud by rhapsodies who travelled). • Usually give insight to human nature. • Explore a range of human emotions: anger, love, jealousy, rage, and vengeance. • Are timeless because they have characteristics of a good story: imaginative, interesting, inspiring, and authentic.

  9. Homer and the Epic • Homer’s most famous compositions are the Iliad (story of the 10 year war) and the Odyssey(story of a long journey). • Homer was a blind minstrel who would travel and tell of these stories. • Greeks in the Odyssey are referred to as Acheans.

  10. Universal Themes • The importance of heroism • The strength of loyalty • The power of love. • The dangers of greed.

  11. Terms to know • Epithets-any word or phrase applied to a person or thing to describe an actual or attributed quality (wily Odysseus) • Epic Simile- Extended comparison using “like” or “as” • Irony (verbal and dramatic)

More Related