SH+2015-16+P6+Epic+Tradition

Aim- Mathias Ramirez



The aim of the use of epic tradition is to symbolize and influence the people into valuing ideals that society supports because the stories illustrate these by using extreme examples of the attributes. Mary Deering stated, ”An epic poem is a long, narrative poem that is usually about heroic deeds and events that are significant to the culture of the poet. Many ancient writers used epic poetry to tell tales of intense adventures and heroic feats”(Deering). By telling stories of “intense adventures,” the author can create situations that require specific attributes in the hero. By glorifying their hero’s abilities, the people begin to value these attributes because their heros have them because they wish to be like their heroes. By exposing a weaknesses in the heroes, the audience can begin to value these traits even more. For example, if a man do not succumb to lust but his hero does, it make the normal man better than his hero and therefor that characteristic is glorified. Because epics were a large part of ancient education (Greeks and Romans), this created an influence on many in the society. Therefore, the aim of epic tradition is to portray and influence society into valuing specific traits.

Work Cited

Deering, Mary. "Epic Poetry: Definition, Heroes & Stories - Video & Lesson Transcript | Study.com." //Study.com//. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Aug. 2015. <[|__http://study.com/academy/lesson/epic-poetry-definition-heroes-stories.html__]> "Top 10 Greatest Epic Poems - Listverse." //Listverse//. N.p., 05 July 2008. Web. 27 Aug. 2015. <[|__http://listverse.com/2008/07/06/top-10-greatest-epic-poems/__]>

Audience- Ethan Davis



Epic Tradition is used in all epic poems written. Most are referring to previous epic stories is part of epic tradition. What this does is tie the audience into multiple epic stories. At the time, these epic stories also tied in their Gods, which would make the audience more interested due to their religious incorporation. The epic tradition also consists of “steps” or an outline that most epic stories follow. As this quote states, "Classical epic employs dactylic hexameter and recounts a journey, either physical or mental or both" (Wikipedia).

This “outline” is involved in epic tradition due to it’s presence in epic poetry. These components of epic tradition tie the audience in and keep them locked in for the story ahead.

Works Cited:

"MYTHOLOGY: THE EPIC TRADITION." //MYTHOLOGY: THE EPIC TRADITION.// N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Aug. 2015.

Kirk, Geoffery S. "Homer | Biography - Greek Poet." //Encyclopedia Britannica Online//. Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 Dec. 2014. Web. 29 Aug. 2015.

"Epic Poetry." //Wikipedia//. Wikimedia Foundation, 2015. Web. 29 Aug. 2015.

Historical Implications- Jordan Cartwright

Epic Tradition dates back to Ancient Greek times, when greek mythology was very popular. The most impactful epics that were created at that time were Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey. This is shown when the author of Homer: Greek Poet says, “provided the basis of Greek education and culture throughout the Classical age and formed the backbone of humane education down to the time of the Roman Empire and the spread of Christianity” (Kirk). Epics are mostly referred to as lengthy stories of high importance. Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey proves this and were the most influential epics made at the time. The epics tied in the importance of their gods and the attributes of heros and heroines. These characteristics are referred to in later epics and created a “backbone” for others such as the Aeneid and Beowulf. Epic tradition also created a “basis of Greek education”, which was later found and studied by Roman philosophers and is now the basis of our education.

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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Works Cited

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Kirk, Geoffrey. //Encyclopedia Britannica//. Britannica, 2014. Web. 27 August 2015 <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">"Top 10 Greatest Epic Poems - Listverse." //Listverse//. N.p., 05 July 2008. Web. 27 Aug. 2015.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Cultural Implications- Rickie Worden

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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;"> During this time, the renaissance was in full swing. It was a time when people were beginning to break from past ideas in the Middle Ages. In the Middle Ideas, gaining knowledge was not the normal idea. “The barbarous, unenlightened ‘Middle Ages’ were over, they said; the new age would be a ‘rinascità’ (‘rebirth’) of learning and literature, art and culture” (History). In the past, religion dominated European culture. Once the Renaissance began, religion was beginning to be less prominent. However, Dante made sure to refocus this idea of religion. He reminded people of their core value through the writing of Inferno. He gave the ideas of what would happen to people if they sin through the nine circles of hell. By illustrating the idea of the different kinds of punishments that would be given for various sins in life, people were given the idea of moral righteousness. Along with that, was the push to worship in religion. He gave the idea of what it would be like if people did not worship, which paved the way for religion would continue to be prominent in a culture where it was beginning to stray away.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Works Cited

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">"MYTHOLOGY: THE EPIC TRADITION." //MYTHOLOGY: THE EPIC TRADITION//. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Aug. 2015.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">"Italian Renaissance." //History.com.// A&E Television Networks, n.d. Web. 29 Aug. 2015.