Start thinking about what these terms mean and how we think about them. The essay for this unit will be on a related topic. Think about the following questions:
What are examples of each of the following terms? How do they fit the definitions?
Are there any examples that could fit into more than one category? How do you decide?
epic- A composition, especially a poetical composition, represented typically by the Iliad and Odyssey, which celebrates in the form of a continuous narrative the achievements of one or more heroic personages of history or tradition.
legend- An unauthentic or non-historical story, esp. one handed down by tradition from early times and popularly regarded as historical. (It is interesting to note that the earliest uses of this word refer to a collection of saints’ lives or of stories of a similar character which were to be read during lessons (from the Latin legendum, ‘that which is to be read’)
myth- A traditional story, typically involving supernatural beings or forces, which embodies and provides an explanation, aetiology, or justification for something such as the early history of a society, a religious belief or ritual, or a natural phenomenon.
religion- Recognition on the part of man of some higher unseen power as having control of his destiny, and as being entitled to obedience, reverence, and worship; the general mental and moral attitude resulting from this belief, with reference to its effect upon the individual or the community; personal or general acceptance of this feeling as a standard of spiritual and practical life.
Vocabulary
ardent- intensely enthusiastic or devoted
vernal- springlike
jauntiness- carefree attitude
dire- calling for quick action; urgent
detained- kept in custody
impediments- something standing in the way
hindrances- people or things in the way; obstacles
annals- historical records or chronicles; history
refuse- anything thrown away as useless
surpassed- went beyond; excelled
emanating- coming forth
relish- pleasure and enjoyment
stifle- hold back
lucidity- clarity; ability to be understood
adulation- excessive praise or admiration
interminable- lasting, or seeming to last, forever
affable- pleasant
sallying- rushing forth suddenly
requisite- required by circumstances
sonorous- having a powerful, impressive sound
veracious- truthful; accurate
vanquish- conquer; force into submission
extolled- praised
lamentation- mourning
swarthy- having a dark complexion
stickler- person who insists uncompromisingly on the observance of something specified
sumptuous- magnificent
palfrey- saddle horse, especially one for a woman
austerities- self-denials
decrepitude- state of being worn out by old age or illness
sublime- noble; admirable
august- worthy of respect because of age and dignity
secular- not sacred or religious
obeisance- gesture of respect
exuberance- state of high spirits and good health
diminutive- smaller than average
esoteric- beyond the understanding of most people
fathom- understand thoroughly
taciturn- not liking to talk
malicious- intentionally harmful
infirmity- physical weakness
innuendo- indirect belittling remark
diabolical- wicked; cruel
estranged- removed from; at a distance
affront- intentional insult