What is an epic?What is an epic?

What makes Beowulf a hero?What makes Beowulf a hero?

1. “Epic” or “heroic” is the term applied 1. “Epic” or “heroic” is the term applied to a work meeting the following criteria:to a work meeting the following criteria:

a. Long narrative poem on a great a. Long narrative poem on a great and serious subjectand serious subject

b. Story related in an elevated styleb. Story related in an elevated style

c. action centers on a heroic/quasi-c. action centers on a heroic/quasi-divine figure; the fate of a nation, divine figure; the fate of a nation, tribe, the human race tribe, the human race

depends on himdepends on him

2. Two types of epics:2. Two types of epics:

a. traditional/primary/folk-epic—shaped by a. traditional/primary/folk-epic—shaped by a literary artist from historical and a literary artist from historical and legendary materials developed in the oral legendary materials developed in the oral tradition of his people during a period of tradition of his people during a period of expansion and warfare.expansion and warfare.

b. literary/secondary- imitation of the b. literary/secondary- imitation of the originaloriginal

3. Three sources for the epic:3. Three sources for the epic:

a. folk tale/fantasy—in a. folk tale/fantasy—in BeowulfBeowulf, the matter of the , the matter of the main action: 3 major combats, swimming main action: 3 major combats, swimming

episodeepisode

b. heroic legend—in b. heroic legend—in BeowulfBeowulf, the digressions , the digressions concerning Finn, Sigemund, Heremond, concerning Finn, Sigemund, Heremond,

Hengest ( mostly in part I).Hengest ( mostly in part I).

c. historical tradition—Inc. historical tradition—In Beowulf Beowulf, the history of , the history of Denmark, the Scylding kings and their fall Denmark, the Scylding kings and their fall

(part II)(part II)

4. Conventional features of the 4. Conventional features of the epic (derived from Homer):epic (derived from Homer):

a. the hero is a figure of great national or cosmic importancea. the hero is a figure of great national or cosmic importance

b. the setting is ample in scale—worldwide or larger b. the setting is ample in scale—worldwide or larger (underworld, heaven, hell()(underworld, heaven, hell()

c. the action involves superhuman feats in battle, or a long c. the action involves superhuman feats in battle, or a long arduous journeyarduous journey

d. gods and other supernatural beings take an interest in the d. gods and other supernatural beings take an interest in the action. action. (deus ex machine)(deus ex machine)

e. the poem itself is a ceremonial performance, told in genus e. the poem itself is a ceremonial performance, told in genus grande. Homer wrote in poetic dialect but others used grande. Homer wrote in poetic dialect but others used stylized diction.stylized diction.

5. The structure and choice of 5. The structure and choice of episodes in an epic is conventional:episodes in an epic is conventional:a. narrator begins with an argument of theme, invokes a muse a. narrator begins with an argument of theme, invokes a muse

for inspiration and asks an epic for inspiration and asks an epic question, the answer to which inaugurates the narrative.question, the answer to which inaugurates the narrative.

b. that action begins b. that action begins en medias resen medias res (literally in the middle of (literally in the middle of things) events are related through things) events are related through

a series of flashbacks, and then the narrative moves a series of flashbacks, and then the narrative moves beyond to the beginning.beyond to the beginning.

c. epics often contain catalogues of principal characters or c. epics often contain catalogues of principal characters or items. They are rich in detail and items. They are rich in detail and

often give set speeches to reveal the temperament of often give set speeches to reveal the temperament of characters.characters.

In small groups list elements of an epic In small groups list elements of an epic found in modern adventure stories.found in modern adventure stories.

Common elements:Common elements:

Hero’s valiant struggle against powerful Hero’s valiant struggle against powerful enemies, prevailing codeof acceptance, enemies, prevailing codeof acceptance, behavior/values, elements of mystery, behavior/values, elements of mystery, hero is seldom humblehero is seldom humble

Quest for fame is a perfectly acceptable and Quest for fame is a perfectly acceptable and even admirable, part of a hero’s existence.even admirable, part of a hero’s existence.

How is Beowulf an archetypal epic How is Beowulf an archetypal epic hero?hero?

Well, let’s first learn about the Circle of Well, let’s first learn about the Circle of the Epic Hero. As we read, we may be the Epic Hero. As we read, we may be able to see how Beowulf experiences able to see how Beowulf experiences

(in some way) all of these (in some way) all of these occurrences. occurrences.

Characteristics of an Epic HeroCharacteristics of an Epic Hero

1.1. Evenly matched with his opponentsEvenly matched with his opponents2.2. Has the spirit and willingness to conquer Has the spirit and willingness to conquer

or dieor die3.3. Is appealed to as the ultimate hopeIs appealed to as the ultimate hope4.4. Is closely allied with his menIs closely allied with his men5.5. Is attended by a faithful companionIs attended by a faithful companion6.6. Has a striking personal appearanceHas a striking personal appearance7.7. Is successful or not depending upon a Is successful or not depending upon a

combination of combination of a.a. Individual courageIndividual courageb.b. Outside forces (gods/God, fate, magic)Outside forces (gods/God, fate, magic)

Characteristics of an Epic HeroCharacteristics of an Epic Hero

8.8. Has to make sacrificesHas to make sacrificesa.a. Has human qualitiesHas human qualitiesb.b. Is mortalIs mortal

9.9. Is not always successfulIs not always successful10.10. Performs great featsPerforms great feats11.11. Is courageousIs courageous12.12. Has supernatural strengthHas supernatural strength13.13. Is adventurousIs adventurous14.14. Often comes from divine/royal lineageOften comes from divine/royal lineage15.15. Is tested through conflict and the necessity to Is tested through conflict and the necessity to

overcome and enemyovercome and enemy

Six Kingly QualitiesSix Kingly Qualities

1.1. HonorHonor

2.2. LoyaltyLoyalty

3.3. CourageCourage

4.4. GenerosityGenerosity

5.5. WisdomWisdom

6.6. GoodnessGoodness