The Epic in the English literature.
The Epic: A Journey Through Heroic Narratives
Epic poetry is a long narrative poem that tells stories of heroic deeds. The term is also used loosely for novels like Leo Tolstoy’s War and Peace or films like Sergey Eisenstein’s Ivan the Terrible. Both oral and written forms of epics have existed throughout history, preserving the glory of heroes and their deeds.
Source of the Epic
Epics often originate from oral traditions, which were born in heroic ages when people fought for national identity. Societies with a strong economy and a warlike nobility created these stories to celebrate their heroes. Oral epics like Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey are prime examples, while later written epics followed this tradition.
Examples of the Epic
Some of the most famous oral and written epics include:
Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey (Greek)
Virgil’s Aeneid and Lucan’s Pharsalia (Latin)
Chanson de Roland (Medieval French)
Ludovico Ariosto’s Orlando Furioso and Torquato Tasso’s Gerusalemme Liberata (Italian)
Cantar de mio Cid (Spanish)
There are also comic epics like Luigi Pulci’s Morgante and Battle of the Frogs and Mice. Additionally, beast epics, like medieval Latin stories of cunning foxes and foolish wolves, form a separate category.
Types of the Epic
1. Oral Epics: Sung or recited by professional singers, like the baudi of the Fulani people in Sudan. These stories were passed down through generations.
2. Written Epics: Elaborated versions of oral traditions, written down when literacy increased.
People also ask:
What is the meaning of epic in English literature?
Who is the father of epic in English literature ?
What are the two types of epic?
What is epic poem in English literature?
What is it called an epic?
What is the best definition of epic?
Characteristics of the Epic
Epics deal with diverse subjects, including:
Myths and heroic legends
Histories and religious tales
Animal stories and moral theories
They focus on the heroic deeds of national heroes and serve as a way to transmit traditions across generations. In heroic ages, these narratives often celebrated martial nobility and their quest for fame. Heroes were seen as links in a chain of glorious ancestors, and their honour preserved the family’s legacy.
Uses of the Epic
Epics were used to inspire warriors to act heroically by praising their ancestors and providing role models. In banquet halls, professional singers performed these songs to honour the deeds of warriors. In some cultures, like the Balkans, singers called guslari continued the tradition by recounting tales at public gatherings.
Even after the heroic age, these stories persisted as entertainment for the common people. However, as literacy spread, oral traditions weakened, and many epics were either lost or written down.
Conclusion
Epics hold immense importance in preserving the cultural and heroic traditions of societies. Whether sung in banquet halls or recorded in literature, they provide a window into the values and history of heroic ages. From Homer’s timeless works to Paradise Lost, the epic continues to inspire awe and admiration.
No comments:
Post a Comment