Epics are among the oldest pieces of writing in existence. Some, like The Iliad and the Odyssey, actually predate the invention of written language. While these stories are found all around the world, all epic poems deal with similar themes. Epics recount the great deeds of heroes, but that's always just where the story starts.
Epic
Hero
The word "epic" is sometimes used as a synonym for "awesome" and to a certain extent all epic poetry is awesome. The reason the word is so frequently used this way is because Epic poems almost always deal with awesome subject mater. Epic poems frequently focus on great heroes and their triumph over evil monsters or invading armies. However, beneath all of this action and adventure, Epic poems reveal a great deal about the cultures which lead to their writing. Epics show us what a culture ate, and how they did so. They show us what character traits were important, and which were to be avoided.
Epics, therefore are always two sided.
They show us what a culture believed an idealized hero should be.
The telling of the story also reveals what the culture was really like.
Another thing to consider as you read Epic poetry, is how these tales influenced contemporary writers. Consider how heroes are portrayed in modern movies such as The Avengers or The Hunger Games.
This video introduction to The Odyssey provides excellent background information about Epics in general. Consider how it relates to other stories you have heard. Also think about how other cultures may emphasize different aspects of society.
While there are many great epics to choose from, I have selected a passage from Beowulf. This is an Epic Poem written in Old English, and the text I have selected was translated by Seamus Heaney, an exceptional Irish poet who wrote in the 20th and 21st Centuries. Read the excerpt carefully, and then answer the questions provided. The link below will make a copy of the worksheet for you.
This brings us to the end of our poetry reading unit.
Next we will turn our attention to not only reading poetry, but to performing it.