- The 10 most outstanding characteristics of the epic
- It can be written in verse or prose
- Can be based on fact or fiction
- Narrates the exploits of a hero
- It is usually surrounded by supernatural elements
- It is part of the tradition of a people
- It makes didactic sense
- The plot is usually about wars and travel
- Omniscient narrator
- Large extension
- Originally from oral transmission
- References
Among the main characteristics of the epic, it stands out that it is a large literary construction that narrates the adventures and misadventures of a hero, which is considered a reference for a given society.
The epic is the oldest known subgenre of literature. The protagonist of the epic is always a hero who goes through a number of challenges that involve fantastic events.
One of the best known passages in the Odyssey
This genre, as it existed in its beginnings, has disappeared; As early as the 19th century, the epic transformed its structure by narrating slightly more realistic events, without emphasis on supernatural elements, and showing a closer hero, even from middle or lower social classes.
Although this genre has disappeared, there are records of epics from the most original times, which allow us to better know this manifestation.
The oldest known epic is that of Gilgamesh, which refers to Gilgamesh, the Mesopotamian king who ruled the city of Uruk.
Among the most famous epics are The Iliad and the Odyssey, both written by Homer; The Divine Comedy, by Dante Alighieri; El Cantar del Mio Cid, by anonymous author; and La Eneida, by Virgilio, among others.
The 10 most outstanding characteristics of the epic
It can be written in verse or prose
The structure of the epics is usually prose or hexameter verses, which consist of six feet (a unit of Greek verse that contains between two and four long and short syllables).
Epics often carry extensive comparative imagery and epithets, and the language is often elaborate.
In its beginnings, epics were written exclusively in verse. When writing was invented, the verse form was kept but the prose structure was added as another way of telling epics.
Can be based on fact or fiction
The stories told in the epics may have been taken out of reality, or have been created by the writer.
However, in either case, the narration of the events is characterized by being exaggerated. That is to say, facts are always exalted, whether real or imaginary.
Narrates the exploits of a hero
The characteristic plots of the epics revolve around a character, who must go through a series of circumstances and obstacles to achieve a mission.
The values of this main character are exalted and, in his work as a hero, he tries to highlight the virtues and principles that are of great relevance to a specific society. The hero of the story always overcomes all obstacles and is the winner.
It is usually surrounded by supernatural elements
Since the plot of the epic is usually exaggerated and idealized, the actions of the hero are usually carried out in a supernatural context. In epics it is common for the hero to interact with gods and other mythological characters.
These supernatural actors actively intervene in the story, hinder the action of the hero or help him fulfill his mission.
It is part of the tradition of a people
Whether the story told through the epic comes from a real event, or if it is a product of fantasy, these plots refer to the most important moments, the most representative characters and the most relevant values and virtues for a given society.
For this reason, they are part of the historical testimony of a people. In addition, they usually describe aspects of the life of that people: customs, religious traditions or even cultural expressions.
It makes didactic sense
The role of the epic, beyond its recreational character, is deeply didactic. This literary subgenre is intended to illustrate actions that are important to a group of people, and to ensure that this information transcends time and is available to future generations.
Within the plot of an epic there may be philosophical propositions that have probably laid the moral foundations of a generation. Through epics, it is possible to teach these values.
The values that are given more emphasis in the epics are fidelity, honor, honesty, strength, love, intelligence and perseverance, among other virtues.
And, in addition to the values, the epics were a way of making known the manifestations associated with a society. Through these literary constructions, it was possible to spread their cultural expressions from one generation to the next.
The plot is usually about wars and travel
As has already been seen, the main character of the epic is the hero, and a hero needs situations that certify him as an idol.
For this reason, epics often tell stories that have to do with an epic crusade of a person (or a group of people), who must travel lands, win wars and overcome obstacles in order to be considered the bravest.
Omniscient narrator
The one who tells the story in the epic is an omniscient narrator; that is, it narrates the events in the third person.
The narrator does not participate in the adventures in the present time, but tells the story as a chronicle: the structure is designed so that the narrator implies that the story he shares with the reader corresponds to something that he himself lived.
The language used suggests that the narrator is sharing his experience as an observer.
Large extension
Epics are long. The reason for this extensive length is that the narrative is quite detailed.
Emphasis is placed on describing in detail the characteristics of the characters, the settings, the feats and all the situations that the protagonists of the epic face.
Originally from oral transmission
Initially, the epics were narrated orally. The Middle Ages was the epic's greatest historical epoch, and in that period it was the minstrels who were in charge of transmitting these epic stories through their songs.
Since the length of the epics has always been long, those who told the stories orally used sentence formulas that helped them remember the whole story and keep the meter in the structure of the epic.
Later, these stories were transcribed, which allowed this manifestation to transcend in time.
References
- "Epic" in Dictionary of the Royal Spanish Academy. Retrieved on July 24, 2017 from the Dictionary of the Royal Spanish Academy: dle.rae.es
- "The Epic of Gilgamesh" (November 9, 2017) in National Geographic. Retrieved on July 24, 2017 from National Geographic: nationalgeographic.com.es
- Deering, M. "Epic Poetry: Definition, Heroes & Stories" in Study. Retrieved on July 24, 2017 from Study: study.com
- Yoshida, A. “Epic. Literary Genre ”in Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved on July 24, 2017 from Encyclopedia Britannica: britannica.com
- Hirsch, E. "Epic: Poetic Form" (February 21, 2014) in Poets. Retrieved on July 24, 2017 from Poets: poets.org
- "What is an Epic Poem?" in Young Writers. Retrieved on July 24, 2017 from Young Writers: youngwriters.co.uk
- Macía, L. “Origin and structure of the dactyl hexameter. Critical review ”in Interclassica. Retrieved on July 24, 2017 from Interclassica: interclassica.um.es.