Epic Poem
• A long narrative poem, written in a dignified
style, that celebrates the adventures and
achievements of one or more heroic figures of
legend, history, or religion.
• Characteristics: supernatural events, long time
periods, distant journeys, life-and-death
struggles between good and evil.
Epic Hero
• A person of high social status who reflects the
ideals of his or her people.
Epithet
• A word or brief phrase used to characterize a
person, place, or thing.
• Examples:
Good Queen Bess
Richard the Lionheart
Edward the Black Prince
Charles the Bold
Phillip the Good
Kenning
• A descriptive figure of speech that takes the
place of a common noun, especially in AngloSaxon and Norse poetry. In Beowulf, for
example, the sea is referred to as the “whale
road,” a warrior is a “helmet-bearer,” and a
flashing sword is a “battle-light.”