The document discusses the characteristics of an epic and an epic hero. An epic is a long narrative poem that tells the story of an epic hero through formal language. Epics involve supernatural events, distant journeys, struggles between good and evil over long time periods. The epic hero embodies the cultural values and is a superhero who is brave, strong, and good, representing the fate of his people through defeating evil forces that threaten the nation.

1. The Epic and Epic Hero
The Odyssey
Odysseus

2. The Epic
• LONG narrative poem
• Formal language
• Tells the story of the Epic Hero
• Most not written but told by
storytellers, probably accompanied by
music
• Very few complete written epics
survive

3. Plots of Epics Involve
• Supernatural events
• Long time periods; distant journeys
• Life & death struggles between good and
evil
• Hero: represents the values of the culture
• Forces that threaten the people: ALWAYS
REPRESENT EVIL
• Defeat of evil determines fate of nation

4. Epic Hero
• Superhero
• Brave, strong, good
• Usually high social status
• Important in his people’s history
• “Larger-than-life”
• Embodies the ideals of his people