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CHARACTERISTICS OF AN EPIC - Beowulf
Epic Definition
Long narrative poem (sometimes called heroic poem)
Developed orallyCelebrates heroic deeds / legendary eventsEarliest forms of literatureIncludes legendary hero (epic hero)
Beowulf
In comparison to the standard of Homeric epics (15,000 lines) …
Beowulf is relatively short (3,200 lines)
Composed (first written down) between 700-750 in Old English by a monk in Scandinavia
Believed to be composed by a monk due to the Christian elements in the epic
Epic Characteristics
Epic Characteristic #1
The hero is a great leader who is identified strongly with a particular people or society.
Epic Characteristic #2
The setting is broad and often includes supernatural realms, especially the land of the dead.
Epic Characteristic #3
The hero does great deeds in battle or undertakes an extraordinary journey or quest.
Epic Characteristic #4
Sometimes gods or other supernatural or fantastic beings take part in the action.
Epic Characteristic #5
The story is told in heightened language.
HERO CHARACTERISTICS
Epic Hero Characteristics #1
The epic hero is a “LARGER THAN LIFE PERSON” who embodies the highest ideals of his culture
Beowulf as the epic hero
In Beowulf, the epic hero Beowulf is considered “larger-than-life”
He embodies LOYALTY, COURAGE, SENSE OF JUSTICE, DIGNITY, PERSISTENCE, and many other traits of the Anglo-Saxon culture
Epic Hero Characteristics #2
The epic hero usually undertakes a QUEST/ JOURNEY to achieve something of
great value to themselves or society
Epic Hero Characteristics #3
Epic heroes “LIVE ON AFTER DEATH”…
meaning they are forever remembered by those who live after them…
achieving a type of IMMORTALITY
Epic Hero Characteristics #4
Not a “Superman” with magical powers
But a “REGULAR” human whose aspirations
and accomplishments set him/her apart
Epic Hero Characteristics #5
Overcomes great obstacles/opponents but maintains HUMANITY
Epic Hero Characteristics #6
Epic hero experiences typical HUMAN EMOTIONS/ FEELINGS, yet is able to master and control these human traits to a greater degree than a typical person
Epic Hero Characteristics #7
It is often necessary for the epic hero to connect/make contact with “LESSER” humans in order to succeed
CHARACTERS - Beowulf
Beowulf main characters
Beowulf the Geat protagonist faces and conquers
evil classic hero who is
courageous, generous, and compassionate
Grendel a demon first antagonist
Beowulf faces descendant of Cain outcast who
epitomizes bitterness and evil
Beowulf main characters
Grendel’s Mother she-wolf unnamed demon who
lives in the gob second antagonist
Dragon animal-unlike many
other dragons in northern legends, it does not speak
becomes enraged and seeks vengeance when a thief takes something from his treasured hoard
third antagonist
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