The Making of an Epic Epic Proportions

What’s An Epic? Long Narrative (tells a story) Formal style Serious subject Central figure is quasi-divine (sort of/almost divine) Actions of the central character determine the fate of a nation

It Might Also Include: A hero of great national/cosmic importance Huge setting and lots of travel Battles and superhuman deeds

It Might Also Include: Supernatural beings that take an interest and sometimes play a part Sometimes ceremonial in nature (written to be performed as part of a ceremony)

Some Epic Conventions (general rules): Begins with an argument, invokes a muse, asks the “epic question”

Some Epic Conventions (general rules): Begins with an argument, invokes a muse, asks the “epic question” Narrative answers the epic question Begins “in medias res” – “in the middle of things”

What About Epic Heroes? Unusual circumstances surround the hero’s birth Faces trials and enemies while struggling on an epic journey

What About Epic Heroes? Unusual circumstances surround the hero’s birth Faces trials and enemies while struggling on an epic journey Encounters “women as temptresses” who threaten his completion of the journey

What About Epic Heroes? At the end of the journey, he must complete a final task alone Once the final task is completed successfully, he returns home to lead his people

Other Common Elements Mother is royal, Father is a king

Other Common Elements Mother is royal virgin, Father is a king At birth there is an attempt by father/grandfather/uncle to kill him. Often kidnapped or sent away for his protection or his parent’s protection Reared by foster parents in a far away land Knows almost nothing of his childhood

Other Common Elements At manhood, he returns Often becomes king, reigns peacefully but falls from power and dies a mysterious death Children don’t succeed him Body is not buried

Can I get an example, or not? Example: Odysseus (From The Iliad and The Odyssey) Non-Example: Edward (Twilight Quartet)

Epic Storybook Written with a partner (assigned) Includes at least 5 elements of an epic Hero has ALL of Epic Hero qualities and at least 5 of 8 “Other Common Elements” Will be illustrated and made into a story book to be published on blurb.com or magcloud.com Extra Credit Options (done in addition to class assignment (book): Comic book (printed) using toondoo.com Animated video with background music, sounds, vocalized speech, etc. using goanimate.com or other tool(s)

Resources "Elements of Epic." Home Page. N.p., n.d. Web. 6 Apr. 2010. <http://web.viu.ca/atkinsona/elements_of_epic.htm>. "Elements of the Epic Hero." The College of New Jersey Home. N.p., n.d. Web. 6 Apr. 2010. <http://www.tcnj.edu/~graham/Wurtzel.html>. Stracco, Michael. "Elements of a Tragic Hero." MSET Ramapo College. N.p., 28 May 2005. Web. 6 Apr. 2010. <http://mset.rst2.edu/portfolios/s/stracco_m/toolsdev/finalproject/elements_of_a_tragic_hero.htm>. "THE EPIC HERO: Common Elements In Most Cultures." Bruce and Bobbie's Home Page. N.p., n.d. Web. 6 Apr. 2010. <http://www.hoocher.com/theepichero.htm>. "Tragic Heroes." Television Tropes & Idioms . N.p., n.d. Web. 6 Apr. 2010. <http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/TragicHero>.