Definition of Epic
1. long narrative2. hero on a quest3. antagonist and conflicts
Folk Epic
ancient stories about heroes recited or sung as entertainment and passed down orally from one generation to the next.
Literary Epic
epics that have been composed by individual writers, often following earlier models
Epic Hero
a main character in an epic whose legendary or heroic actions are central to his/her culture, race, or nation
Epic Conflict
a situation in which the hero struggles against an obstacle or enemy and emerges triumphant
Heroic Quest
a perilous journey that the hero’s adventure often takes form of in search of something of value to his people
Divine Intervention
When gods intervene in human affairs.
Usually positive but sometimes negative.
Epic Conventions
states theme of the epic, invocation of muse, opens in medias res, genealogies given, main characters give extended formal speech, epic similes, heavy use of repetition; Literary practices, rules, or devices that became commonplace in epic poetry