#epicpoem

[whencyclopedia]

Great Ancient & Medieval Poetry

Poetry is the first form of literary expression in the world as evidenced by The Epic of Gilgamesh, the oldest piece of world literature. For over 4,000 years, people have been writing poetry to express personal, communal, or global experiences through one of the most intimate of art forms practiced by human beings in connecting with others.

The following collection presents some of the most famous poets and their works from the ancient and medieval eras. Many important figures have been omitted for space including Sappho of Lesbos and Callimachus of Cyrene, Horace, Ovid, Pindar, Chretien de Troyes, Petrarch, Dante, and Boccaccio, to name only a few, as well as Shakespeare, arguably the greatest poet in the English language. The works below are chosen for the influence they have had on later poets and world literature.

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[thxnews]

The Iliad: Uncovering the Timeless Power of an Ancient Epic

  Oral Tradition: Passing Down the Poem Through Generations Theories abound surrounding the origins of the Iliad, one of the oldest surviving works of literature in Western culture. One popular theory suggests that the poem was a product of the oral tradition of ancient Greece. Passed down orally by bards and poets performing for audiences over time, the Iliad's stylistic qualities align with the tradition of oral storytelling.   Multiple Authorship: Collaboration Over Centuries Another theory proposes that the Iliad was not a single work, but rather the product of many authors and storytellers over centuries. This idea is supported by the differences and contradictions found within the text itself, reflecting the contributions of various voices and styles over time.   Homer as a Single Author: One Voice Behind the Epic Finally, the most widespread theory posits that the Iliad was written by one person named Homer. This theory is based on the poem's consistent style and voice, a composition likely occurring within a specific time period, and numerous allusions to earlier texts. The attribution to a single author, Homer, is widely accepted, though the true origins of this classic work of literature may forever remain a mystery.  

Homer seated. 4th century BC, İzmir Art and Sculpture Museum, Turkey. Photo by Carole Raddato. Flickr.  

Unveiling Homer's Life and Influence

The Enigmatic Life of Homer The Greek poet Homer considered the father of Western literature, left an indelible mark on the literary world with his epic poems, the Iliad, and the Odyssey. However, much of Homer's own life remains shrouded in mystery, with details obscured by legends and myths.   Oral Poet: Composing Works Through Recitation What we do know is that Homer was an oral poet, meaning that he composed his works by reciting them aloud rather than writing them down. This oral tradition made it difficult for historians to determine the exact date of the composition of his works. The Iliad and the Odyssey were likely transcribed by scribes many years after their initial recitation.   Enduring Legacy: Influencing Literature, Art, and Film Despite the scarcity of information on his personal life, Homer's influence on Western literature is undeniable. His works have been widely read, translated, and studied for centuries. The Iliad and the Odyssey have inspired countless works of literature, art, and film, becoming foundational pieces of the literary canon.  

Sarcophagus with scenes from the Life of Achilles, dated between AD 170 and 190. Photo by Carole Raddato. Flickr.  

Captivating Characters and Timeless Themes

Achilles: A Tragic Hero Consumed by Rage and Grief The Iliad introduces a rich tapestry of characters, each with their own motivations and backstories. At the center of the narrative stands Achilles, a mighty warrior nearly invincible in battle. Consumed by rage and grief after the death of his close friend Patroclus, Achilles embarks on a path driven by overwhelming emotions.   Hector: Balancing Duty and Love Another essential character is Hector, the prince of Troy. Hector embodies a complex blend of warrior and family man. Devoted to his wife and young son, he faces the challenging tension between his duty to his city and his love for his family. Hector's eventual demise at the hands of Achilles is a poignant and heartbreaking moment in the poem.   Themes: Clash of Civilizations, Destructive Power of Pride The Iliad delves into several central themes that resonate across time. One such theme is the clash of civilizations. The Greeks and the Trojans find themselves locked in a bitter struggle, each side convinced of their just cause. Yet, the poem also reveals the humanity within the enemy, showcasing the Trojans mourning their dead and defending their city against the Greek army. Pride emerges as another powerful theme in the Iliad, highlighting its dual nature as both a source of strength and a tragic flaw. Achilles' pride and anger drive his actions, leading to devastating consequences. Similarly, Hector's pride as a Trojan prince ultimately seals his fate. The poem calls on readers to examine their own pride and consider its impact on their lives.  

Trojan War engraved print. Photo by Walters Art Museum. Flickr.  

Fate, War, & Divine Intervention

The Power of Fate: Shaping Lives and the Trojan War The Iliad revolves around the concept of fate, a powerful force that shapes the lives of its characters. The Greeks believed that fate was predetermined by the gods, leaving no escape from its grip. The poem's extensive use of prophecy and divine intervention underscores this theme, as the gods manipulate events to achieve their desired outcomes.   The Trojan War: A Conflict Foretold The Trojan War itself exemplifies the workings of fate. Though sparked by the abduction of Helen by Paris, it was a conflict that had been brewing for years. The gods had already decreed the victory of the Greeks over the Trojans, and the war was destined to happen.   Divine Intervention: The Hands of the Gods Divine intervention permeates the Iliad, with gods frequently intervening in the lives of mortals. They aid or hinder characters according to their own desires, manipulating events to achieve desired outcomes. Apollo's plague upon the Greeks and Athena's interventions in battles exemplify the gods' roles as puppet masters, shaping the course of events.   Brutality of War: Portraying the Horrors War serves as the central theme of the Iliad, and the poem unflinchingly depicts its brutality. Graphic descriptions expose the grim realities of battle, showcasing amputations, decapitations, and impalements. The warriors, portrayed as fearless and honorable, are willing to risk everything for the glory of their city-states. The poem forces readers to confront the dark realities of armed conflict.  

Storytelling – The Old Story in All Lands – Harper's Weekly. Photo by Winslow Homer. Wikimedia.  

Relevance of Ancient Stories Today

Timeless Lessons and Enduring Power of Storytelling The stories of the Iliad continue to resonate today, offering timeless lessons that transcend time and culture. They remind us that war has always been a part of human existence, often driven by pride and arrogance rather than rational decisions. The influence of fate, the complexities of human characters, and the enduring power of storytelling make The Iliad a work that continues to captivate readers worldwide.  

Conclusion

The Iliad stands as a testament to the enduring power of an ancient epic. Its origins and authorship remain subjects of debate, but the impact of its characters, themes, and storytelling resonates across time. From the clash of civilizations to the influence of fate and the horrors of war, the Iliad offers valuable insights into the human condition, encouraging contemplation and reflection on our own lives and the world around us.   Sources: THX News & Ancient Literature. Read the full article

[paulsemel]

For many people, "epic poem" means epic story told in verse; think "The Odyssey." But Linnea Axelsson's epic poem "Ædnan: An Epic" is a real world story with political and social ramifications, as I learned when we did this exclusive interview. https://paulsemel.com/exclusive-interview-aednan-an-epic-author-linnea-axelsson/ 📖🇸🇪

[alixx-black]

Terminal (12): Oh, the light!

TERIMINAL: Oh, the light! - Chapter 12 of an #epicpoem inspired by #escapril2024 prompts telling the story of a six-year-old with #childhoodcancer

An epic poem inspired by Espcaril 2024’s prompts. First, there is a buzzing, like a bug in Aviana’s ear, or a tiny hummingbird zooming by, and it is so loud and quiet at the same time that she can barely process that it isn’t real and that nobody else is hearing it; Second, there is helium in her veins, or at least it feels like it because she is absolutely certain that she is starting to…

[noahawatersiii]

#DwellingInDuval This is the second iteration of this story. This story is extremely personal as the only times in my life I have been able to work on it is during severe #MDD attacks. Let me know what you think and keep in mind I was 17. Be nice. #poetry #EpicPoem #Poem

[iggyg85]

Part 2 of the compiled pieces from the first set of Poem a Day. Includes Sin City Survivor, The Pride of Pestilence, Genesis, & The Cabal of Eternal Rest #onepoemaday #poemaday #verseaday #angelsofhell #apocalypse #fourhorsemen #demon #hell #hellonearth #epicpoem #poetry #poetryisnotdead #poetrycommunity #poetsofinstagram #promotepoetry #Iwritepoetry #horrorwriter #horrorpoetry #promotehorror #writer #writing #writersofinstagram #writersofinstagrampoetry #reviewmypoem #spokenword #spokenverse #poetryreading #poetizer_official #poetizerpoet #poetizer https://www.instagram.com/p/CMODTfYBTyE/?igshid=3kl8f1e1zca8

[systemdump]

Odysseus: *Blinds Polyphemus*

Polyphemus:

[illuminationsfantastic]

Issue 3 is released! . www.IlluminationsFantastic.com . Link in bio leads straight to Issue 3. . More updates today and the following days, but am so gratified by this issue's contents and all the excellent and truly hard work by authors and editors. . But enough about that - it's eight pieces of adventurous fiction reading. . #literaryjournal #literarymagazine #literarymagazines #fiction #magazine #journal #newrelease #shortstoriesofinstagram #shortstory #shortstories #thirdissue #fantasyfiction #sciencefiction #adventurestories #poetry #musurdvitha #epicpoem (at Nashville, Tennessee) https://www.instagram.com/p/CA7KekNBDKq/?igshid=2kgn18apfaen

[esstrauss]

Poem: The Dry Tsunami

Too many clouds in the sky these days of too many shades of white

A mundane atmosphere continues to seep into the pours of everyone who is left

Sand or maybe dust filling the streets more then souls

Eyes drying from inside from the sight of it all

Wanting to escape into another world

Something different than before the dry tsunami

No healing regiments to help ease the anxiety

Or to cure the new normal: the B word.

Staring at the what used to be a pure white ceiling

Staring at the off white ceiling

The very opposite of  “The Creation of Adam”

Unable to fixate on anything else

Torture

Transported into a world where I can feel the sun again

Few clouds in this sky

Anything that does hang high, a hue of soft white

In the distance, what appears to be a tower

Waves rubbing up against it

Turing the old stone slowly into gravel

Pulling to the harbor, a ship

Majestic

The sails: a clean white

Still getting her sea legs as it becomes seemly obviously this the first of what will be many voyages on open waters

Sailing past me, wishing she would ask me to climb aboard  

Old lyrics heard from the ship, new to me, sea shanties, drifting further out to sea

The clouds no longer a soft white

A shade of faded pink

Exhausting to look at

Wishing the sky would change to any other hue

Black with spots of illuminating white

My favorite

Suddenly my wish comes partially true

Black

Nothing else around

Unsure if it is indeed a black landscape above or sight playing tricks on me

Feeling the sweat run rapidly down my brow drenching the rest of my body

Anxiety returning

My unprofessional diagnosis: a nightmare

Indeed, another nightmare

My eyes adjusting to the off white ceiling again

Making sense of the an afternoon dream

Having difficultly digesting metaphors

As my body catches up to my head, the urge to stand feels okay

Peering out the window

Little life

Lots of dust

Wishing these rules would evaporate along with the dust

But there are no stars in the sky to wish upon tonight

[jesseaxe]

Beautiful 1950 edition of poetry by John Milton, including, of course, Paradise Lost - first published in 1667. Interesting how the English language has changed. #epicpoem #vintagebooks #etymologyofwords #paradiselost #mansfirstdisobedience (at Death's Door) https://www.instagram.com/p/B8cptLcHR63/?igshid=1ie68dqxgqblo

[picnotesknowledge]

Homer was a legendary Greek poet and a key figure of ancient Greek literature. He was the composer of the Iliad and the Odyssey, the two oldest and most important works of Greek literature. His two epic poems have become archetypal road maps in world mythology.

[jwmcartist]

#inktober2019 day 4: freeze. #inktober #dante #danteandvirgil #danteallighieri #divinecomedy #inferno #classicliterature #epicpoem #italianrenaissance #history #italy #florence #firenze #dailydrawing #artistsoninstagram https://www.instagram.com/p/B3MZroZB77s/?igshid=7ibxol30puxf

[thetinytiredcatigrapher]

So decided to hava a go at some Beowulf, an old english epic-poem that is still famous to this day. As you can probably see, it is in Anglo-Saxon (aka Old-English) and there has been no word of Beowulf yet! Then again, I am but done with the very first two sentences of the epic-poem. This verse has about 5 sentences, but I'm only at ¼ of the verse. And the entire epic, you ask? Well my dear fellow...it is 43 verses long.

This took me about 1½ hours of work...if I were to completely write the epic-poem...I'd be lucky to be done before the dawn of 2020!

Do you have a poem that you would like me to write down? Let me know!

[oldenglishpoetry]

From my King Oswald OE epic. Didn't want to post this as it's unfinished-y, but this account is for my stuff as well, and it wasn't quite as unfinished as I'd thought. So, this will precede the battle portion I posted before, and will be followed by the episode in the forest at night and the cutting of the cross in the early morning, and finally the planting of the cross (it's wonderful how many particular points Bede's account has - he emphasizes Oswald planting the cross using swords to dig the hole) and the defeat of Cadwalla. #poetry #poet #poem #epicpoetry #epicpoem #kingoswald #cadwalla #medieval #englishhistory #beowulfmeter #alliterativemeter #alliteration (at Green Hills, Nashville) https://www.instagram.com/p/BxiIIy5g6a7/?igshid=naiz2mnj232l

[alixx-black]

Terminal (30): Tomorrow

#FinalChapter #CompleteStory TERIMINAL: Tomorrow - Chapter 30 - This project is an #epicpoem inspired by #escapril2024 prompts telling the story of a six-year-old with #childhoodcancer #napowrimo #letsescapril

An epic poem inspired by Escapril 2024’s prompts. It will happen tomorrow, Aviana is sure of it, and when her parents turn the light off, leaving her alone with the nurse, she thanks her nurse for all her help in making the last days her family had with her special – almost even normal – and those happy moments will serve them for the rest of their lives; The nurse asks Aviana to talk about…

[bluesmuze]

“Me miserable! Which way shall I fly

Infinite wrath and infinite despair?

Which way I fly is hell; myself am hell;

And in the lowest deep a lower deep,

Still threat’ning to devour me, opens wide,

To which the hell I suffer seems a heaven.”

—John Milton from ‘Paradise Lost’