The Epically Epic and The Epic-tacular Hero Why are we here? What is our purpose? What happens when...

The Epically Epic and The Epic-tacular Hero

Why are we here? What is our purpose?

What happens when we die?

What Constitutes EPIC-NESS?1. Poem (Dactylic Hexameter)

2. Long, Elevated Style

3. About a Hero (Actually Existed)

4. Builds National Identity

5. Invocation of the MUSE

6. Media Res (IMPORTANT)

7. Goes to Hades

What else makes something “Epic-y?” • A concern with the fate of a nation or people; • A correspondingly large scale, often ranging around

the world• The intervention of supernatural figures, who are

interested in the outcome of the action Extended similes, generally called epic similes;

• Long catalogues, whether of ships, characters, or places

• Extensive battle scenes • A few stock episodes

Does length matter? • The Epic of Gilgamesh 10 Tablets (3000 lines)• The Iliad (5000 lines) • The Aeneid (7,000 lines)• LOOK AT WHAT IT DOES! • Blend of ancient oral tradition (poetic song) • with written inventions (dialogue, allusion, etc) • Universal Questions are not simple • Length does matter

How do you know you are superman?

• Larger-than-life hero, embodying the values of a particular society.

• An epic hero is superhuman– Braver or stronger or smarter or cleverer than an ordinary

person (YOU)

• On a quest for something of great value • Villains that try to keep the hero from his quest

– Usually uglier and lamer than hero

• Mixed divine/human birth (still flawed like us) • Gods interferes with the human world and the hero

Introduction to Gilgy

Introduction to Achilles

Introduction to Aeneus

Quiz

1. What seven qualities make it an epic?

2. List one quality of an epic hero?

3. Why does length matter?

4. What is Gilgamesh’s linneage?

5. What does Gilgamesh’s story make us confront?

6. What makes Achilles, Achilles?

7. How is Achilles like Gilgamesh?

8. What is wrong with Aeneus?