Defining+an+Epic

=__ Defining an Epic: __ Epic- a long poem that tells about the adventures of a well-known hero chasing a very important goal = = =

= __The 5 Elements of an Epic: __ 1. Epic Hero- The main character of an epic. A gigantic figure, typically of noble or semi-divine birth. Usually puts his courage and skill against forces(often evil). Fights for good! = = = =2. Quest- A long, dangerous journey or mission taken by the epic hero. The hero's opportunity to prove his heroism and win honor = = = =3. Valorous Deeds- demonstrate the hero's courage and are mostly the action in the story = = = =4. Divine Intervention- when the hero receives help from a god or other supernatural force = = = = = = __Types of Epics: __ =

=Folk- stories that were recited or sung as entertainment and passed down orally from one generation to the next. = = = =Literary- written by individual authors, drawing on the style and conventions of the folk epic. =

= __Epic Conventions: __ 1. invocation of a muse(when you ask a spirit or God to take care of you) = =2. in medias res- Latin for "in the middle of things" = =3. long, lengthy lists of battles won = = = = __Practice: __ 1. What qualities make Beowulf a typical epic hero? = =<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">2. What qualities make Beowulf an epic piece of literature? = =<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">3. Name the five types of an epic. = =<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">4. What is the main character of an epic called? = =<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">5. What is the name of the journey the main character takes? = =<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">6. What are the two types of epics? = =<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">7. Which type of an epic is passed down from generations? = =<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">8. Name the three epic conventions. = =<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">9. What is the Latin word for "in the middle of things"? = =<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">10. What is the definition of an epic? =

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