DEFINITION OF EPIC AND EPIC HERO
By Aparna Mandal
WHAT IS AN EPIC?
1. It is a long narrative poem that reflects
the values of the society that produced it.
2. It is written in a serious, elevated style.
3. It deals with large issues of good versus evil.
4. It has a hero who is “larger than life”;
stronger, braver, and more insightful than the average man.
5. The hero is on a quest wherein the fate of his
tribe, his nation, or the entire human race rests on his shoulders.
6. Gods or other quasi-divine creatures come
to the aid of one side and/or another.
7.
Major characters often deliver long, formal
speeches.
8.
The setting usually covers more than one nation.
10.
The plot is complicated by supernatural
beings/events and usually involves a long, dangerous journey through
foreign lands
11.
The poem reflects timeless values
(courage, honor, etc.)
12. The
poem treats universal themes (good
vs. evil, life and death, etc.)
EPIC HERO
The
hero of an epic is called the epic hero.
1. The hero is usually a male of
noble birth/high position and is historical or legendary
2. The
hero’s character traits reflect the ideals of his society and his actions
(often courageous and superhuman) reflect the values of his society
3. The
hero’s actions often determine the fate of a nation of people.
4. Code
of conduct forces the hero to challenge any threat to society.
5. Destiny
of the hero is discovered through a series of episodes punctuated by violent
incidents interspersed with idyllic descriptions.
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