Ancient Worlds(literary origins & traditions)

Origins:Ancient Middle East, Arabic and Persian

Literature

Oral Tradition =

orally told narrative stories handed down

over generations

Ancient Themes

•Heroism•Spirituality

Ancient Genres• Folktales = oral tradition; teaches

about primitive beliefs & cultures• Folktale types:–Legends–Myths–Epic poems

Legend•narrative story•contains historical truths/people•some supernatural elements

Myth

• roots in folk-beliefs of races/nations• supernatural episodes • help explain natural phenomena

–how things came to be…

Epic Poem• long narrative poem about a

hero• involves a dangerous journey or

quest• sometimes considered a legend

and/or a myth also

Epic Types• Folk epics – stories about heroes

sung over generations; cumulative authorship• Literary epics – stories written by a

specific author, but often borrowing from well-known stories, characters, and myths

Elements of an Epic

Epic Hero – an Archetype• Main character larger-than-life• Strong, brave, loyal, virtuous• Journey or quest• Tragic flaw (but does not give in)

Elements of an Epic

Epic Conflict• Centers on hero’s struggle to

achieve or overcome obstacles• Hero proves his strength through

valorous deeds• Divine intervention

Elements of an Epic

Epic Conventions/Style – see p. 15 in the textbook• Opening statement of theme• Invocation • Tone = serious• In medias res• Epic similes & Epithets

Time to Study Some Ancient Folklore EPICS!

• from The Epic of Gilgamesh –(Sumerian Epic)

• from The Rmanyana–(Indian Epic)

• from Jason and the Golden Fleece–(Greek Epic)