Epic Poetry Words Flashcards
Epic
Long, narrative poem about the deeds of gods/heroes with elevated language
Epic Hero
Important figure (larger than life) from history/legend. Possesses traits valued by society.
Hero Traits
Physical strength, intelligence, loyal, respects gods, displays hubris, has hamartia
Hubris
Arrogance and Pride
Hamartia
Weakness or Fatal Flaw
Epic Simile
Known as Homeric simile, compares unlike objects using like/as, goes into great detail
Epithet
Descriptive words attached to names or things
In Medias Res
“In the Middle of Things”, a story that begins in the middle of events and flashes back to the beginning
Ab Ovo
From the Egg
Allusion
Indirect reference to another literary work/famous person/religious icon
Characteristics of an Epic
Wandering hero, long journey, supernatural creatures, gods/goddesses, physical conflict, founding of nations, invocates the muse, vast setting, long/formal speeches by hero, use of epithets, and godly intervention.
Kalliope
Muse of Epic Poetry
Xenia
Hospitality/generosity shown to and by travelers
Mnemonic
A device designed to aid the memory (from Mnemosyne, goddess of memory)
Amnesiac
One with partial/total memory loss
