2. What is an Epic?
•An epic poem is a long, serious,
poetic narrative about a significant
event, often featuring a hero.
•They Whatto be memorized and
used is an Epic?
passed on as oral tradition.
Eventually they have been
translated on to paper.
•The speaker is the narrator.
3. •The theme or subject of the tale is
important. Epic Poetry
•The setting is huge (sea, world, universe)
•Its purpose is to teach and inspire the
listener to aim for success even in the face
of obstacles.
4. Structure
Structure
•Epics are traditionally considered
poetry
•The Odyssey begins “in media res”,
which means in the middle of things.
•Flashbacks are used to explain what
happened up to the starting point.
5. Structure Continued
•Tone is formal, rather than
conversational.
•Figurative language is used to
create vivid mental images to the
listener.
6. Qualities of Epic Hero
an Epic Hero
1.Main character is hero who seems to have
supernatural abilities.
Odysseus befriends others with
supernatural powers
2..The hero is charged with a quest.
The whole epic “The Odyssey” is about the
many journeys of Odysseus
3. The hero is tested to prove his worthiness.
Odysseus must overcome obstacles and
temptations.
7. Epic Hero continued
Epic Hero Cont.
• The hero’s travels take him to a
supernatural world.
– Enters underworld.
• The hero nearly gives up.
• The hero experiences a resurrection
of will.
• Restitution: The hero regains what is
rightfully his.
8. About The Odyssey
The Odyssey
• Written by Homer in 8th century BC.
• It was probably written near the coastal
islands of Greece.
• The poem is about the hero Odysseus and
his long journey home after the fall of Troy.
It takes him 10 years to reach home after
the Trojan War. Along the way home he
encounters a variety of obstacles, ranging
from being imprisoned by a Cyclops, to
being seduced by a witch.
