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Elements of an Epic

What is an epic.

Epics are stories told on a grand scale, with armies, heroes, gods, and the brutal forces of nature depicted over long character arcs and sweeping landscapes. Protagonists meet with obstacles and disaster, action and triumph. Along with some other patterns and nuances, these elements distinguish epics from other writing styles. In this article, you will learn how to teach students the elements of the epic genre by using fun and easy-to-create storyboards.

A great extension of an epic is to teach the Hero's Journey. Since most epics follow this pattern, the terms are commonly taught together. Check out our lesson on the Hero’s Journey !

The Odyssey Elements of an Epic

Our Recommended Lesson Plan

Overview of the lesson.

What is an epic and what are the attributes of this genre? Teach students the literary form, asking them to think deeply about its style and patterns, and how these affect the work as a whole.

Epic Definition and Origin

Epics typically begin as oral traditions that are passed down for generations before being written down. To this end, epics have an order and repetition of events that made them easier to remember. Due to their length, these works often took days to tell!

Epics are mythological histories; they meld together famous figures from history and historical events. Some characters and events in epics are historical, like the Trojan War, while other characters are mostly or purely mythological, like the Olympians, or Perseus.

Six Elements of an Epic

A hero of legendary proportions.

The epic hero is typically well known in his time, often reaching superstar status. In ancient legends, the hero often is either partially divine, or at least protected by the gods.

Adventures of Superhuman Strength and Valor

The hero accomplishes feats no real human could, both physically and mentally.

Multiple Settings

The actions of the hero span the continent, other realms, or even worlds.

Involvement of the Supernatural

Gods, demons, angels, time/space travel, cheating death, immortality, and other supernatural elements.

Epic Style of Writing

The style of is frequently ornate, drawn out, or exaggerated. Common flourishes are epithets, extended similes, and repeated phrases.

Omniscient Narrator

The narrator sees and knows all.

Grade Level: 6-12

This lesson can be used for many grade levels. Below are examples of the Common Core State Standards for Grades 9-10. See your Common Core State Standards for the correct grade-appropriate strands.

  • ELA-Literacy.RL.9-10.2 : Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze in detail its development over the course of the text, including how it emerges and is shaped and refined by specific details; provide an objective summary of the text
  • ELA-Literacy.RL.9-10.10 : By the end of grade 9, read and comprehend literature, including stories, dramas, and poems, in the grades 9-10 text complexity band proficiently, with scaffolding as needed at the high end of the range. By the end of grade 10, read and comprehend literature, including stories, dramas, and poems, at the high end of the grades 9-10 text complexity band independently and proficiently
  • ELA-Literacy.SL.9-10.1 : Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grades 9–10 topics, texts, and issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively
  • ELA-Literacy.W.9-10.6 : Use technology, including the Internet, to produce, publish, and update individual or shared writing products, taking advantage of technology’s capacity to link to other information and to display information flexibly and dynamically

Lesson Specific Essential Questions

  • How do we use the word “epic” in today's society, and what does it mean?
  • What are some of the ways people exaggerate when telling stories?
  • What stories in our media seem to be “epic”?

Students will be able to define an epic story, and understand how it differs from another genre of literature.

Before Reading

Before reading an epic poem or story with your students, make sure to go over its definition and the common elements of the genre. It is helpful to have students compare and contrast this genre with another they have read, like tragedy or dystopia . Students can also think of movies that would be categorized as epics. Having them come up with a list is a great activator. They could also create a storyboard of the movie, and how it contains the elements of an epic.

During or After Reading

While students are reading, or after they have finished, ask them to create a storyboard that shows the major elements of epic. Characters, settings, direct quotes, should be used to explain and support each element.

Beowulf - Elements of an Epic

Related Activities

Check out these elements of an epic activities from our guides on Beowulf , The Odyssey , and The Once and Future King .

elements of an epic journey

How to Incorporate the Elements of an Epic into Creative Writing Assignments

Introduce the elements of an epic to your students.

Begin by defining what an epic is and discussing the common characteristics of an epic story. You can use examples from famous epics such as The Odyssey or Beowulf to illustrate these elements.

Assign a creative writing task

Provide your students with a creative writing assignment that requires them to incorporate the elements of an epic into their story. For example, you might ask them to write a short story or a longer narrative that features a hero, a quest, supernatural elements, and other epic characteristics.

Model the writing process

Demonstrate the writing process by creating your own epic story or writing alongside your students. Model how to develop a plot, create characters, and use language and imagery to convey epic themes and ideas.

Provide feedback and revision opportunities

As students write, provide feedback on their work and offer opportunities for revision. Encourage students to incorporate feedback and improve their writing, focusing on the elements of an epic.

Share and celebrate student work

Once students have completed their stories, provide opportunities for them to share and celebrate their work. You might hold a class reading or invite other classes to come and listen to your students' epic stories.

Reflect on the experience

Finally, take time to reflect on the experience of incorporating the elements of an epic into creative writing assignments. Ask your students what they learned about the elements of an epic and how they were able to apply them to their writing. Use this feedback to refine your approach and improve future creative writing assignments.

Frequently Asked Questions about Elements of an Epic

What is an epic.

An epic is a long narrative poem that typically tells the story of a heroic figure or group of heroes. Epics often focus on themes of bravery, honor, and struggle against adversity.

Who is the hero in an epic?

The hero in an epic is typically a figure of great stature, often a warrior or leader who embodies the values and ideals of their culture. The hero is often on a quest or journey to achieve a goal and must overcome significant challenges and obstacles along the way.

Why are epics important?

Epics are important because they often reflect the values and beliefs of the culture in which they were created. They can offer insights into the history and mythology of a particular time and place and can provide inspiration and guidance for future generations. Additionally, epics are often celebrated for their literary and artistic merit and have had a significant impact on the development of literature and storytelling over time.

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I’m a writer blog

Guidelines for writing Poems, Stories and Tales

What are the six elements of an epic?

July 13, 2022

Six Elements Of The Epic:

  • Plot centers around a Hero of Unbelievable Stature. …
  • Involves deeds of superhuman strength and valor. …
  • Vast Setting. …
  • Involves supernatural and-or otherworldly forces. …
  • Sustained elevation of style. …
  • Poet remains objective and omniscient.

What elements make up an epic?

An epic is a long, often book-length, narrative in verse form that retells the heroic journey of a single person or a group of persons. Elements that typically distinguish epics include superhuman deeds, fabulous adventures, highly stylized language, and a blending of lyrical and dramatic traditions .

How many elements are there in an epic?

Six Elements of an Epic In ancient legends, the hero often is either partially divine, or at least protected by the gods.

What are the 7 characteristics of an epic hero?

But what can we say are the main traits of epic heroes? There are seven main traits of epic heroes; they are of noble birth or elevated status. They have superhuman capabilities, are a vast traveler, an unmatched warrior, a cultural legend, demonstrate humility, and finally, battle superhuman foes.

What are characteristics of epics?

List the characteristics of an epic

  • The hero is outstanding. …
  • The setting is large. …
  • The action is made of deeds of great valor or requiring superhuman courage.
  • Supernatural forces—gods, angels, demons—insert themselves in the action.
  • It is written in a very special style (verse as opposed to prose) and uses epic similes.

What are the nine classic elements of an epic?

What Are the Elements of Epic Poetry?

  • Beginning of Poem and Story. …
  • Setting. …
  • Main Character. …
  • Gods, Other Deities and Divine Places. …
  • Epic Simile. …
  • Epithets and Patronymics. …
  • Long Speeches, Histories and Descriptions.

What are the types of epic?

There are two types of epic: (1) primary or oral epic and (2) secondary or literary epic . Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey are primary epics. Virgil’s Aeneid and Milton’s Paradise Lost are secondary epics. A primary epic is a type of epic through which the epic tradition was evolved.

What are the 8 characteristics of an epic hero?

Terms in this set (8)

  • Champion of freedom. 1st trait of an Epic hero, that supports the idea of heros fighting with the forces of good v. …
  • Courage. 2nd trait of an Epic hero, when the hero continues the journey or task at hand, after they show fear.
  • Super Strength. …
  • Devotion. …
  • Loyalty. …
  • Love of Glory. …
  • Justice. …

What are four characteristics of an epic hero?

4 characteristics of an Modern Epic Hero

  • High Morality/ integrity.
  • Makes great sacrifice.
  • Values lives of others.

Is Shrek an epic hero?

“Shrek” is a 2001 computer-animated fantasy-comedy film based on William Steig’s fairytale picture book, “Shrek!” He has all the characteristics of an epic hero archetype , regardless of his hideous and vulgar appearance as an ogre.

What are the 10 characteristics of an epic?

Terms in this set (10)

  • magical protective devices. The hero is given magical protective devices.
  • character traits. …
  • theme. …
  • formal diction and serious tone. …
  • long, formal speeches. …
  • timeless values- courage and honor. …
  • setting vast in scope. …
  • universal themes- good and evil, life and death.

What are the epic elements of Beowulf?

While this is true, the epic Beowulf contains more than those two requirements. This story contains five elements which make it an epic. There is an epic hero, action of an immense scale, an elevated writing style, long speeches meant to inspire or instruct, and also the descent into the underworld .

How do you define epics?

Epics are large bodies of work that can be broken down into a number of smaller tasks (called stories).

Who is the central character in the epic?

An epic hero is the main character of an epic poem that tells the story of a grand quest in which they use their extraordinary or superhuman abilities to achieve great things. In literature, a hero is simply the protagonist, or main character.

What is an epic theme?

Physically impressive hero of national importance . Huge setting involving much of the known world, and possibly the land of the dead. A quest taken in search of something of value. Evidence of supernatural forces (the gods) at work. Glorification of the hero at the end (he wins, always!!!)

What is the meaning of epic in literature?

long narrative poem recounting heroic deeds

epic, long narrative poem recounting heroic deeds , although the term has also been loosely used to describe novels, such as Leo Tolstoy’s War and Peace, and motion pictures, such as Sergey Eisenstein’s Ivan the Terrible. In literary usage, the term encompasses both oral and written compositions.

Is Shrek obese?

Sure, Shrek was fat, but he’s an ogre and he’s supposed to be fat . In the end, when Princess Fiona turns into an ogre, she says she’s supposed to be beautiful and Shrek says that she is beautiful.

How old is Shrek?

They may even be about that same age in that universe, since WikiShrek claims he is 30 in the first movie . What Is The First Shrek Movie?

Is Shrek a monster?

Shrek is a fictional ogre character created by American author William Steig. Shrek is the protagonist of the book of the same name, a series of films by DreamWorks Animation, as well as a musical. The name “Shrek” is derived from the German word Schreck, meaning “fright” or “terror”.

What is Shrek’s birthday?

Shrek’s Birthday is on February 27, 1999 .

What is Shrek’s last name?

Trivia. His full name is Sir Shrek .

How big are Shrek’s feet?

+ Shrek is seven feet tall, has 22 teeth and his hand is about 13.5 inches from the base of his palm to the tip of his middle finger. His shoe size would be a size 22 (15.5 inches) , similar to Shaquille O’Neal.

How tall is Disney’s Moana?

Moana. Moana was revealed as 7’6″ . Yep, huge.

How old is Donkey from Shrek?

With all due respect to ogre ages 400 and onwards, in conclusion I would say ogre is a real long living man when he is around his early or mid thirty-something. If a person is born, he also seems to be about 30 when he becomes a man. How Old Is Lord Harold Quaad In King??

Which Shrek is Pinocchio?

Shrek the Third (2007)

Shrek the Third (2007) – Cody Cameron as Pinocchio, Three Pigs – IMDb.

How do I dress like Lord Farquaad?

Dress up in a bodysuit with a longline t-shirt, a dress belt, a king’s robe, some cosplay gloves and boots, a black wig, and a Renaissance hat .

Do the roar from Shrek?

Do you the Muffin Man Shrek?

Quote from video: Them. Okay i'll tell you do you know the muffin man the modern man the muffin. Man yes i know the muffin. Man who lives on drury lane. Well she's married to the muffin man the muffin.

What is the darkest nursery rhyme?

Quote from video: Pocketful of posies ashes ashes we all fall down this catchy nursery rhyme from 1881 brings to mind images of adorable.

How tall is Shrek?

According to Adam Adamson, who directed the first two movies in the franchise, Shrek’s height sits somewhere between 7 and 8 feet tall.

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Definition of Epic

An epic is a long narrative poem that is elevated and dignified in theme , tone , and style . As a literary device, an epic celebrates heroic deeds and historically (or even cosmically) important events. An epic usually focuses on the adventures of a hero who has qualities that are superhuman or divine, and on whose very fate often depends on the destiny of a tribe, nation, or sometimes the whole of the human race. The Iliad , the Odyssey , and the Aeneid are considered the most important epics in western world literature, although this literary device has been utilized across regions and cultures.

Epic comes from the ancient Greek term  epos , meaning story , word, poem. The  Epic of Gilgamesh is considered by many scholars to be the oldest surviving example of a work of literature. This epic, traced back to ancient Mesopotamia in approximately 2100 BC, relays the story of Gilgamesh, an ancient king descended from the gods. Gilgamesh undergoes a journey to discover the secret of immortality.

Characteristics of an Epic

Though the epic is not a frequently used literary device today, its lasting influence on poetry is unmistakable. Traditionally, epic poetry shares certain characteristics that identify it as both a literary device and poetic form. Here are some typical characteristics of an epic:

  • written in formal, elevated, dignified style
  • third-person narration with an omniscient narrator
  • begins with an invocation to a muse who provides inspiration and guides the poet
  • includes a journey that crosses a variety of large settings and terrains
  • takes place across long time spans and/or in an era beyond the range of living memory
  • features a central hero who is incredibly brave and resolute
  • includes obstacles and/or circumstances that are supernatural or otherworldly so as to create almost impossible odds against the hero
  • reflects concern as to the future of a civilization or culture

Famous Examples of Literary Epics

Epic poems can be traced back to some of the earliest civilizations in human history, in Europe and Asia, and are therefore some of the earliest works of literature as well. Literary epics reflect heroic deeds and events that reveal significance to the culture of the poet. In addition, epic poetry allowed ancient writers to relay stories of great adventures and heroic actions. The effect of epics was to commemorate the struggles and adventures of the hero to elevate their status and inspire the audience .

Here are some famous examples of literary epics:

  • The Iliad  and  The Odyssey : epic poems attributed to Homer between 850 and 650 BC. These poems describe the events of the Trojan War and King Odysseus’s return journey from Troy and were initially conveyed in the oral tradition.
  • The  Mahābhārata: an epic poem from ancient India composed in Sanskrit.
  • The Aeneid : epic poem composed in Latin by Virgil, a Roman poet, between 29 and 19 BC. This is a narrative poem that relates the story of Aeneas, a Trojan descendent and forebear to the Romans.
  • Beowulf : an epic poem was written in Old English between 975 and 1025 AD. It is not attributed to an author, but is known for the conflict between Beowulf , a Scandinavian hero, and the monster Grendel.
  • The  Nibelungenlied: the epic narrative poem was written in Middle High German, c. 1200 AD. Its subject is Siegfried, a legendary hero in German mythology.
  • The Divine Comedy : epic poem by Dante Alighieri and was completed in 1320. Its subject is a detailed account of Dante as a character traveling through Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven.
  • The Faerie Queene : an epic poem by Edmund Spenser published in 1590 and given to Elizabeth I. This poem features an invocation of the muse and is the work in which Spenser invented the verse form later known as the Spenserian stanza .
  • Paradise Lost : written by John Milton in blank verse form and published in 1667. Its subject is the expulsion of Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden as well as the fallen angel Satan.

Difference Between Epic and Ballad

Both epic and ballad works date back to ancient history and were passed down from one generation to another through oral poetry. However, these literary devices feature significant differences. An epic is an extended narrative poem composed with elevated and dignified language that celebrates the acts of a legendary or traditional hero. A ballad is also a narrative poem that is adapted for people to sing or recite and intended to convey sentimental or romantic themes in short stanzas, usually quatrains with repeating rhyme scheme . Ballads typically feature common, colloquial language to represent day-to-day life, and they are designed to have universal appeal to humanity as a group. Epic works, however, focus on a certain culture, race, nation, or religious group whose victory or failure determines the fate of an entirety of a nation or larger group but not all of humanity.

Characters in Epic Poetry

An epic poem can have several characters but the main character is always a historical figure or a legendary hero. Such heroes are of noble birth, having superhuman capabilities, with supernatural elements to help them out in difficult situations. He could be an unparalleled warrior, demonstrating superhuman capabilities before superhuman foes. Other characters could be all and sundry, animals , gods and goddesses, and some other superhumans but not equal to the legendary hero. Its classical examples are Odyssey and Illiad . Paradise Lost is the best example of an epic in English Literature.

Features of Main Character in Epic Poetry

The main traits of the central character of an epic are as follows.

  • The hero is of a noble birth such as Odysseus.
  • He could have superhuman capabilities.
  • He is a good traveler and travels to foreign lands.
  • He is a matchless warrior and could fight supernatural beings.
  • He is a cultural legend and people sing in his praise.
  • He is a humble, sympathetic and compassionate fellow.
  • He surmounts all obstacles including supernatural foes.

Structure of Epic Poetry

There are several important points in the structure of an epic poem.

  • The first line states the theme of the poem such as in Paradise Lost .
  • The poem invokes a Muse that has inspired and instructed the poet to write the poem.
  • The poem opens from the middle or In Medias Res  and then states the main events.
  • The poem includes lists or catalogs of characters, armies, or ships.
  • The poem includes long speeches of the main warriors.
  • The poem has extended metaphors and extended similes written in iambic pentameter .

Use of Supernatural Characters in Epic Poems

Epic poems often comprise supernatural characters. Some have gods and goddesses such as in Gilgamesh and Odyssey . They help heroes in difficult times. Some have demons and monsters with whom heroes battle and win. Some epics have other supernatural elements with whom the heroes come into contact and win such as Cyclops in Odyssey. Some have mythical creatures such as Eris, Thetis, Enkidu, and Shamas in Gilgamesh.

Origin of Epic Poetry

Gilgamesh is perhaps the earliest known epic that has survived the ravages of time. It is a Sumerian poem of King Gilgamesh and has been traced back to 3,000 BC. It is stated to have the records of King Gilgamesh. Following that, Mahabharta , the ancient Indian epic, was written in 300BC and comprises more than 200,000 verses, the longest epic. Odyssey, Illiad, Paradise Lost, Ramayana, and Shahnameh are some other popular epics of different regions.

Examples of Epics in Literature

Modern readers may consider any lengthy tale of an ancient hero who embarks on a significant journey to be an epic work. However, though this type of heroic story is common in various forms of literature, prose narratives aren’t considered part of the realm of the epic tradition. It’s rare for modern poets to choose epic as a literary device; however, epic poetry remains one of the most influential forms of literature.

Here are some examples of epic poems in literature:

Example 1:  Inferno (first canticle of  The Divine Comedy  by Dante Alighieri)

i am the way into the city of woe, I am the way into eternal pain, I am the way to go among the lost. Justice caused my high architect to move, Divine omnipotence created me, The highest wisdom, and the primal love. Before me there were no created things But those that last forever—as do I. Abandon all hope you who enter here.

This passage is from the first canticle of Dante’s  Divine Comedy ,  Inferno , in which the character Dante makes a journey through Hell guided by the ancient Roman poet, Virgil. As Dante approaches the Gate of Hell, he finds these lines inscribed. The poetic lines represent the “ voice ” of Hell in telling Dante and the reader of Hell’s nature, origin, and purpose. This indicates the pathway of what is to come for Dante on his journey through the epic poem. The inscription describes Hell as a city, structured as a contained geographical area bound by walls and harboring a population of souls suffering various levels and means of torment. This is a parallel for the canticle  Paradiso and its portrayal of Heaven, which is described by Virgil as the city of God.

In addition, the inscription warns that Hell is a place of eternal woes, pain, and loss. Dante witnesses God’s intense punishment of those who sin, lending to Dante’s journey an otherworldly setting that crosses a span of time and memory. The last line of the inscription is an example of the elevated language and tone of Dante’s epic poem. Dante’s character, as well as the reader, are told to “abandon all hope” upon entering the gate of Hell, implying there is no escape from the Inferno with hope intact. Dante’s epic poem is one of the most influential works in the history of literature.

Example 2: Orlando Furioso by Ludovico Ariosto

This dog won’t hunt. This horse won’t jump. You get the general drift. However, he keeps on trying, but the fire won’t burn, the kindling is wet, and the faint glow of the ember is weak and dying. He has no other choice then but to let It go and take a nap on the ground there, lying Next to her—for whom Dame Fortune has more Woes and tribulations yet in store.

Ariosto’s epic poem of 1532 is an interpretation of the battles between the Saracen invaders and the Franks. Orlando Furioso is a brave warrior tasked to save his people, indicating a heroic character who is courageous and resolute. However, he suffers from a period of madness due to the seductions of Angelica. This circumstance represents an obstacle for the hero to overcome as a means of fulfilling his journey and destiny in ensuring the salvation of his people. The pairing of valiant duty and passionate love is common in epic poetry. In Ariosto’s work, Furioso ultimately recognizes passion as a weakness not befitting of a knight and he, therefore, returns to placing the importance of duty before any other action.

Example 3: Don Juan by Lord Byron

Between two worlds life hovers like a star, ‘Twixt night and morn, upon the horizon’s verge. How little do we know that which we are! How less what we may be! The eternal surge Of time and tide rolls on, and bears afar Our bubbles; as the old burst, new emerge, Lash’d from the foam of ages; while the graves Of Empires heave but like some passing waves.

Some poets, including Alexander Pope, wrote mock-epics to satirize heroic verse and its elevated stature which became epic works of their own. In “Don Juan,” Byron utilizes the elements of epic as a literary device to reinvent the story of the title character from the Spanish legend of “Don Juan.” However, in Byron’s work, the story of Don Juan is reversed. Rather than portraying the infamous character as a womanizer, he is presented as someone who is easily seduced by women. This allows Byron as a poet to satirize the legend and character of Don Juan in addition to the epic form of poetry as well.

However, though Byron’s epic poem is satirical, it is also masterful in its sixteen cantos of ottava rima or eighth rhyme . “Don Juan” features 16,000 lines in which Byron cleverly utilizes elevated language and tone as a nod to traditional epic poetry, but also intersperses a vulgar style of writing as well to subvert the epic tradition.

Synonyms of Epic

The distant synonyms for epic are a heroic poem, saga, legend, lay, romance , myth , history, chronicle, folk tale, long story, and long poem.

Related posts:

  • 15 Epic Uses of Apostrophe in The Iliad

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Poetry & Poets

Explore the beauty of poetry – discover the poet within

What Are The Elements Of Epic Poetry

What Are The Elements Of Epic Poetry

Definition of Epic Poetry

Epic poetry is a form of storytelling that has existed for centuries and is considered one of the greatest literary achievements of all time. Epic poetry was traditionally composed orally, with many of these compositions being passed down through generations. Such poems are generally lengthy and elaborate, and focus on a single hero, often a legendary figure, who is heroic and noble. Epic poetry provides an engaging and dramatic exploration of many aspects of life, including war, heroism, morality, and cultural values.

Elements of Epic Poetry

There are several elements which define the genre of epic poetry. These elements are central to the epic structure and provide structure and guidance to the poem. The three main elements of epic poetry are the invocation of the muse, the hero’s journey and the epic similes.

Invocation of the Muse

The invocation of the muse is one of the most well known elements of epic poetry. The poet often invokes the power of a goddess or other supernatural beings to inspire him or her to write the poem. This is a common narrative technique used in many epic poems and serves to give the poem a greater sense of majesty and importance.

Hero’s Journey

What Are The Elements Of Epic Poetry

A hero’s journey is an essential part of epic poetry. It is a narrative journey which follows a hero’s path from his home to his goal. It often includes various trials and tribulations that the hero must face and overcome before they can finally reach their goal. This story can often be used to shape moral and ethical principles and to provide insight into the character and values of the hero.

Epic Similes

Epic similes are an essential element of epic poetry and are used to add intricate detail and imagery to the poem. This type of simile is often quite elaborate and is used to compare two seemingly disparate things to one another. They are often used to emphasis the grandeur and grandiosity of the poem and its characters.

Themes of Epic Poetry

Epic poetry often revolves around themes of heroism and morality. Such poems often follow a heroic character as they are faced with a difficult quest and must overcome many obstacles in order to succeed. They often highlight the struggles of the human condition and can provide perspective on different aspects of life.

Style of Epic Poetry

Epic poetry is generally composed of long, elaborate sentences that are often repetitive and repetitive. Similes and metaphors are often used to add imagery and color to the poem and make the hero’s journey more vivid. Epic poetry often employs a mixture of prose and poetry in order to create its narrative.

What Are The Elements Of Epic Poetry

Epic poetry is a form of storytelling that has been around for centuries and is still celebrated today. It is known for its grandeur and intricacy, as well as its focus on values and heroic journeys. Invocation of the muse, the hero’s journey and the use of epic similes are the three main elements which help to define the genre and make it a truly unique form of literature.

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Minnie Walters

Minnie Walters is a passionate writer and lover of poetry. She has a deep knowledge and appreciation for the work of famous poets such as William Wordsworth, Emily Dickinson, Robert Frost, and many more. She hopes you will also fall in love with poetry!

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COMMENTS

  1. Six Elements Of The Epic - University of Idaho

    Six Elements Of The Epic: 1) Plot centers around a Hero of Unbelievable Stature. The epic hero completes what everyone only attempts. In ancient epics, the hero often is either partially divine or at least protected by a god or God. 2) Involves deeds of superhuman strength and valor. Accomplish feats no real human could. 3) Vast Setting.

  2. What is an Epic? 6 Epic Elements Explained - Storyboard That

    Along with some other patterns and nuances, these elements distinguish epics from other writing styles. In this article, you will learn how to teach students the elements of the epic genre by using fun and easy-to-create storyboards. A great extension of an epic is to teach the Hero's Journey.

  3. What are the six elements of an epic? - I'm a writer blog

    An epic is a long, often book-length, narrative in verse form that retells the heroic journey of a single person or a group of persons. Elements that typically distinguish epics include superhuman deeds, fabulous adventures, highly stylized language, and a blending of lyrical and dramatic traditions.

  4. Epic - Examples and Definition of Epic as a literary device">Epic - Examples and Definition of Epic as a literary device

    An epic is a long narrative poem that is elevated and dignified in theme, tone, and style. As a literary device, an epic celebrates heroic deeds and historically (or even cosmically) important events.

  5. What Are the Elements of Epic Poetry? - Pen and the Pad

    An epic poem is a long narrative poem that describes the actions and travels of a heroic main character in elevated language and style. Epic poems were composed orally, often to music, for recitation but were not written down until centuries later.

  6. What Are The Elements Of Epic Poetry - Poetry & Poets

    There are several elements which define the genre of epic poetry. These elements are central to the epic structure and provide structure and guidance to the poem. The three main elements of epic poetry are the invocation of the muse, the heros journey and the epic similes.

  7. Elements of the Epic Hero Cycle Flashcards | Quizlet">Elements of the Epic Hero Cycle Flashcards | Quizlet

    invites the hero into the adventure (quest) offers us the opportunity to face the unknown and gain something of physical or spiritual value. the threshold. the "jumping off point" for an adventure. Once past the threshold, we enter the unknown a world filled with challenges and dangers. the tests.

  8. Elements of an Epic and Hero's Journey Flashcards | Quizlet

    Elements of an Epic and Hero's Journey. epic. Click the card to flip 👆. a long narrative (tells a story) poem.

  9. elements of the epic hero cycle Flashcards | Quizlet

    into the Abyss (the low point) -the greasts challenge of the quest. -the hero faces his greatest fears. -the hero is transformed and fixes his flows. the atonement. the heros is "reborn". -hero becomes at one w/himself. the return. returns home and goes back to everyday life, but he uses his new strength, skill, for the good of his fellow man.

  10. Elements of an Epic Journey Flashcards | Quizlet">Elements of an Epic Journey Flashcards | Quizlet

    Study with Quizlet and memorize flashcards containing terms like An Epic Poem, Hero of Unbelievable Stature, Deeds of Superhuman Strength/Bravery and more.