| A | B |
|---|
| epic hero | the central larger-than-life character |
| quest | a long or dangerous journey or mission |
| valorous deeds | actions that demonstrate the hero's courage |
| divine intervention | receiving help from a god or another supernatural force |
| great events | important events from the history or mythology of a nature or culture |
| folk epics | in ancient times stories about heroes that were recited or sung |
| epic | a long narrative poem that recounts the adventures of a legendary hero |
| literary epics | written by individual authors drawing on the style and conventions of folk epics |
| Invocation of a Muse | The speaker calls upon a muse, spirit, or supernatural force for inspiration or assistance in telling the story. |
| In Medias Res | Latin for “in the middle of things.” The story begins after important events have already occurred, placing the audience directly into the action |
| Serious Tone and Lofty Style | Epics generally use elevated, formal language to emphasize the importance of their characters and events |
| Long Speeches | Important characters may deliver lengthy speeches that reveal values, motives, history, or beliefs |
| Catalogs | Extended lists of people, battles, weapons, ships, possessions, gifts, or other significant items |
| loathsome | Extremely unpleasant, offensive, repulsive, or disgusting |
| massive | Very large, heavy, solid, or impressive in size or amount |
| purge | To remove something harmful, unwanted, impure, or undesirable in order to cleanse or improve something |
| reparation | Something given or done to make amends for harm, damage, injury, or injustice |
| solace | Comfort, support, or relief during a time of sadness, disappointment, grief, or difficulty |
| writhing | Twisting, turning, or moving the body repeatedly, often because of pain, discomfort, fear, or strong emotion |
