Traits of an Epic Poem
EPIC HERO
 Larger than life (both in abilities and social status)
 Usually male
 Embodies the ideals of the culture
 Goes on dangerous and dark journey
Greek epic heroes often have hubris (a flaw of too much pride).
Differences between tragic and epic heroes:
 Epic heroes usually have superhuman powers; tragic heroes
do not.
 Epic heroes usually are alive and victorious at the end of
their journey; tragic heroes usually die “before their time” at
the end of the story (often without reaching their goal).
EPIC SIMILE
 Simile: comparison of two things using LIKE or AS
 An epic simile is a long and extended version of the above,
sometimes going on for several lines.
 Example on page 891 (Book 8, lines 560-571)
EPITHET
 Brief descriptive phrases to give character to person or thing
 Used to fill out the poetic line
 Examples: Odysseus as “master mariner” or “old contender”
“swift-footed” Achilles
dawn comes up “with fingertips of rose”
Make notes below about the Steps of the Hero’s Journey as Mr. Watson explains them: