Epic Hero Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is the definition of an epic?

A long narrative poem that relates the great deeds of a larger-than-life hero who embodies the values of a particular society.

Which of the following are characteristics that epics often concern? (Select all that apply)

Ceremonial style (correct)

Grand scale narratives (correct)

Conflict between good and evil (correct)

Everyday life

What are the two types of epics?

Heroic Epic and Mythological Epic

Oral Epic and Written Epic

Grand Epic and Local Epic

Folk Epic and Literary Epic (correct)

The hero is a great leader who is identified strongly with a particular ________ or society.

people Signup and view all the answers

The setting of an epic often includes supernatural realms, especially the land of the ________.

dead Signup and view all the answers

What does the hero do in an epic?

The hero does great deeds in battle or undertakes an extraordinary journey or quest. Signup and view all the answers

Gods and supernatural beings do not participate in the action of an epic.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of heightened language in an epic?

The story is told in heightened language, which elevates the narrative and offers a grand style. Signup and view all the answers

What are epic conventions?

Shared characteristics of epics writers drew upon to establish the epic quality of their poems. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'in medias res' mean?

It means 'in the middle of things' and refers to the practice of beginning a narrative in the midst of action. Signup and view all the answers

Epic similes are elaborately extended ________ that relate heroic events to simple, everyday events.

comparisons Signup and view all the answers

What is an epithet in the context of epics?

A descriptive phrase that presents a particular trait of a person or thing. Signup and view all the answers

The epic hero is a __________ who embodies the highest ideals of his culture.

larger than life person Signup and view all the answers

What traits does the epic hero Gilgamesh embody?

Loyalty, valor/courage, sense of justice, dignity, persistence. Signup and view all the answers

The epic hero usually undertakes a _______ to achieve something of great value to themselves or society.

quest Signup and view all the answers

Epic heroes often achieve a type of ________ by being remembered by those who live after them.

immortality Signup and view all the answers

An epic hero is not a _____ human but can be part god/part human.

regular Signup and view all the answers

Epic heroes do not maintain humanity while facing obstacles.

False Signup and view all the answers

Epic heroes experience typical human emotions but control them better than the average person.

True Signup and view all the answers

Why is it necessary for the epic hero to connect with 'lesser' humans?

To succeed in their quests, epic heroes often need to make contact with ordinary people. Signup and view all the answers

What do Star Wars, Harry Potter, Gilgamesh, and Homer's The Odyssey have in common?

They all include a journey of significant change, embodying the 'hero's journey' archetype. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Epic Heroes Overview

An epic is a long narrative poem chronicling the significant deeds of a hero representing societal values.
Epics address timeless human dilemmas, notably the struggle between good and evil.
These narratives are grand in scope and often narrated in ceremonial language.

Types of Epics

Folk Epics: Oral traditions passed down through generations, evolving with each retelling (e.g., Gilgamesh, Beowulf, The Iliad, The Odyssey).
Literary Epics: Fixed texts that remain unchanged over time (e.g., Aeneid, Paradise Lost).

Characteristics of Epics

A hero embodies qualities of a particular society, serving as a central figure in the epic.
Settings often span vast territories and include supernatural realms or the afterlife.
Heroes engage in impressive feats, whether through battle or extraordinary quests.
Deities or supernatural entities frequently intervene in the story.
Narratives use elevated language to convey their significance.

Epic Conventions

Invocation: A formal appeal for assistance, usually directed towards a divine being or spiritual force.
In Medias Res: Stories often commence in the midst of action, with subsequent flashbacks providing context.
Homeric Simile: Detailed comparisons that relate epic events to everyday experiences using terms like "like" or "just as."
Epithets: Descriptive phrases that characterize a person or object, aiding in reader understanding (e.g., Odysseus described as "raider of cities").

Traits of the Epic Hero

The epic hero is larger than life, reflecting the pinnacle of their culture's ideals.
Gilgamesh, from his epic, exemplifies traits such as loyalty, courage, justice, dignity, and persistence.
Epic heroes typically embark on quests that hold significant value for themselves or their society.
They achieve a form of immortality through the lasting impact of their deeds and the stories told about them.
Epic heroes possess extraordinary abilities but maintain a connection to their humanity, facing traditional human emotions and obstacles.
Success often depends on their ability to relate to and collaborate with ordinary individuals.

Hero's Journey

Similar journeys can be found in various stories, such as Star Wars, Harry Potter, Gilgamesh, and The Odyssey, all exploring profound transformations and the archetype of the hero.

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Description

Explore the fascinating world of epic heroes and their significance in literature with these flashcards. Delve into definitions, types of epics, and the values they reflect within societies. Perfect for literature enthusiasts and students alike!