General Questions

Question 1

What constitutes an epic? [7 things + definition]

Answer 1

• Must be written in the style of an Epic, dactylic hexameter and use suitable language (e.g. epithets).
• Tells the story of a hero.
• The hero goes on a quest.
• Includes the Gods (who were supposedly ‘closer’ to mortals in older Ancient Greece).
• For some reason, the hero gets delayed along the way.
• Portrays the accepted cultural values of the contemporary society it’s set in.
• Action!

Definition of an epic: ‘A long narrative poem telling of a hero’s deeds’.

Other notable epics include (in date order):

• The Epic of Gilgamesh; often regarded as first great work of literature + epic, written in Sumerian + Akkaidian.
• Ramayana; One of the great works of Indian literature, plays an important role in Hindu literature. Written in Sanskrit.
• The Aeneid; written by Virgil, tells the story of Aeneas. Written in Latin, influenced by Homer.
• Beowulf; One of the oldest surviving Old English epic poems. One of the most important and famous works of Old English literature, tells us a lot about the evolution of the English language. Written in Old English.

Question 2

Who wrote the Odyssey?

Answer 2

Homer.

Question 3

Who is the hero/main character of the Odyssey?

Answer 3

Odysseus.

Question 4

Briefly describe the character of Odysseus.

Answer 4

• Wife of Penelope, father of Telemachus.
• King of Ithaca.
• Fought for 10 years in the Trojan war.
• Led 12 ships from Ithaca to Troy.
• Son of Laertes.
• Has polymetis, Athene sees him as mortal representation of herself.