Defining the Epic

Epic: a long narrative poem that recounts the adventures of a legendary hero in pursuit of a goal of national importance.

What are elements of the epic? Epic Hero: the central

character. Larger-than life character. He pits his courage against opposing forces. In Beowulf, Beowulf is s young warrior who battles against a monster.

Quest: A long, dangerous journey undertaken by the epic hero. The quest is the hero’s opportunity to prove his heroism and win honor.

What are elements of the epic?

Valorous Deeds: These actions demonstrate the hero’s courage and strength. This makes up most of the action in the narrative.

Divine Intervention: In many epics, the hero receives help from a god or another supernatural force who takes an interest in the hero’s quest.

Great Events: Important events from the history or mythology of a nation or a culture provide the themes or backdrop for the epic narrative.

Types of Epics

Folk: Stories about heroes were recited or sung as entertainment and passed down orally from one generation to the next. Examples include the following: Beowulf (Anglo-Saxon), Gilgamesh (Sumerian)

Literary: Stories written by individual authors drawing on the style and conventions of the folk epic. Examples include the following: Iliad and Odyssey by Homer, Paradise Lost by John Milton

Read pages 36-37

Answer Question #s 1-4 in your study guide.

Thinking about the Commentary (p. 36-37)

1. The first part was the description of Beowulf’s journey over deep waves to King Hrothgar’s court.

2. Beowulf deals with social issues and establishing moral standards as well as the poem’s excitement and suspense.

3. Beowulf includes references to the Judeo-Christian God, the creation story of Genesis, Hell, and the story of Abel and Cain.

4. It was produced by a Christian culture. It was also a culture concerned with moral and ethical standards of behavior.

Vocabulary Definitions

Reparation: compensation for a wrong

Solace: comfort, relief Purge: purify, cleanse Writhing: making

twisting or turning motions

Massive: big and solid; bulky

Loathsome: disgusting