EPICS AND EPIC HEROES

Elements of Epics

Characteristics of Epic Heroes

The Hero’s Journey

ELEMENTS OF AN EPIC Epic: a lengthy narrative poem concerning heroic

details Typically begins in medias res (in the middle of things) Has a vast setting covering nations, the world or the

universe Addresses cultural themes like history, national identity,

and religion Journey often takes hero into heaven or the underworld Uses epithets (descriptive word or phrase that takes place

of person’s name) Has superhuman beings and events that complicate the plot Features long and formal speeches Shows divine intervention on human affairs Stars heroes that embody values of society

THE EPIC HERO A brave and noble character in an epic

Commonly desires glory or fame Possesses superhuman strength or wisdom Has flaws (commonly pride or hubris) Has high or unusual birth or national status Performs deeds of great valor or that require

superhuman strength Embodies values of society (honor, bravery, hospitality,

respect for the dead) Has success in battle The epic hero will complete a cyclical journey, face

challenges and return home changed

THE HERO’S JOURNEY Ordinary World: hero is introduced to the audience Call to Adventure: hero is called to quest and knows

that everything will change Refusal of Call: hero refuses call to quest due to sense

of duty Crossing the Threshold: hero begins adventure The Road of Trials: hero experiences series of tests Woman as the Temptress: hero encounters deterring

temptations (commonly a woman) Into the Underworld: hero enters the Underworld Return Home: hero returns home with new wisdom Seizing the Sword: hero confronts and defeats old

enemies Return to Order: hero returns to old life

FIGURATIVE TERMS Alliteration: the repetition of consonant

sounds at the beginning of words Caesura: a natural pause in the middle

of a line of poetry Epithet: a word or phrase used to

describe an attribute of a person Richard the Lion-hearted

Kenning: a metaphorical phrase used to replace a concrete noun