epic poetry characteristics elements and examples
Epic Poetry: Characteristics, Elements, and Examples
An epic poem is an elaborate narrative about an important event. It contains a character of incredible stature and courage who performs superhuman deeds with valor in terrific battles or journeys, and these glorious deeds are of national significance. This Buzzle article tells you about the characteristics and examples of epic poetry.
Goddess of Epic Poetry
In Greek mythology, Calliope was the Muse of epic poetry.- The hero in the poem is a figure of heroic stature or national significance. He is usually a warrior who faces opponents and performs courageous deeds that are valued by the nation.
- The setting of the poem is vast and could include land, seas, oceans, the world, or even the whole universe.
- The deeds are those which require great heroism, spirit, and bravery.
- Supernatural or other worldly forces or beings such as Gods, angels, or demons are introduced and they play an active part in the actions of the heroic character.
- Epic poems are written in a formal manner and they often use exaggeration.
- The poet presents everything with knowledge and objectivity.
- There is invocation of a Muse by the poet before beginning the epic poem, to help him by providing him the emotion, creativity, or articulation of speech to create a poem. The Muse then gives the necessary inspiration to the poet and speaks through the poet's words to create a poem. Muses are the goddesses and sources of inspiration in literature, science, and art in Greek mythology.
- Stating of the theme or subject of the epic poem is done by the poet to the Muse.
- It is followed by opening or beginning the narrative in medias res or in the midst of an action and at a crucial time. The beginning of the story is mentioned with a flashback. Flashbacks are descriptions which denote the happening of an event prior to the one with which the poem begins.
- Concern is expressed to the future of the nation or to people.
- Objects such as ships, places, and heroic or important characters such as warriors and armies are introduced.
- That is followed by formal speeches by the main characters.
- Epic similes are used at the appropriate places. Also called Homeric similes, epic similes are elaborate comparisons made by using words such as 'like' or 'as'.
- Heavy usage of dialogs or similar phrases is made, to describe the characters.