Alone, the word ‘epic’ denotes a number of central ideas pertaining to size, volume and length; these ideas are also central to an epic poem. Traditionally, epic poems are long in length and usually deal with an extremely involved plot: heroes, wars, battles between gods, and journeys are usually integral plot devices. They also have a number of key characteristics which help to define them as such. The purpose of this essay is to explore what defines a poem as being an epic with reference to two key examples of such poems: The Odyssey by Homer (and translated by Robert Fitzgerald) and The Epic of Gilgamesh, a Mesopotamian epic translated in this instance by N. K. Sandars.
Traditionally, epic poems present a long journey for their protagonists: invariably, the journey is a physical, geographic one but sometimes it can also be an emotional journey. In The Odyssey by Homer, we are presented with Odysseus’ journey home from the Trojan War. Like with most epic poetry, The Odyssey reflects a heroic man who has fought for his nation’s pride to be retained and is now returning home: “Homeward you think we must be sailing to our own land; nowhere else is the voyage Kirk has laid upon me.” (Homer, 10: 621-5) Equally, in The Epic of Gilgamesh, the reader is immediately presented with the character of Gilgamesh as being one who embarked on a journey: “He went on a long journey, was weary, worn-out with labour, returning he rested, he engraved on a stone the whole journey.” (Sandars, Prologue) Both poems neatly reflect the epic poetical traditions of reflecting a heroic journey.
Epic poems also often feature poems of invocations of the muse, who is often a God or Goddess. In the first book of The Odyssey, we are introduced to the son of Odysseus, Telemakhos. In his father’s absence, a number of unruly and repugnant ‘suitors’ begin to take advantage of the situation by abusing the home and wealth of Odysseus. This is reflected when in Book 1, Homer alludes to the impact of their behaviour on the household: “The larder mistress with her tray came by and served them generously. A carver lifted cuts of each roast meat to put on trenchers before the two.” (Homer, 1: 223-6) The hedonism of this scene reflects Greek culture which Homer would have considered to be of the upmost importance and therefore its violation would be deeply upsetting. The situation is dealt with by Telemakhos by invoking the help of the Goddess Athena: “in his heart, he knew his visitor had been immortal.” (Homer, 1: 472-3)
A final key characteristic of an epic poem is the recurring reference to athletic games and athleticism generally. The Epic of Gilgamesh presents Gilgamesh’s athleticism regularly: “He is the strongest in the world, he is like an immortal in heaven.” (Sandars, p 2) This suggests that Gilgamesh is powerful and athletic and fits in neatly with the traditional idea of heroics and strength. The theme also runs commonly through The Odyssey, with Odysseus being discussed in terms of his heroic ability and strength: “If only that Odysseus met the suitors, they’d have their consummation, a cold bed!” (Homer, 4: 371-72)
The Odyssey and The Epic of Gilgamesh reflect the characteristics of epic poetry accurately: their broad themes and ideas include those such as heroics, strength, a long journey, the over-coming of tyranny or evil, and the inclusion and respect being paid to the Gods.
References
Fizgerald, Robert and Homer. The Odyssey: the Fitzgerald translation. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 1998.
Sandars, N. K. The Epic of Gilgamesh. London: Penguin Books, 1972.
Explain How Memory Becomes a Pivotal and Recurrent Theme in ‘The Odyssey.’
Homer’s The Odyssey utilises the theme of memory recurrently throughout the poem. As the poem is written as a reflection of events already passed, it is important for the reader to recognise the significance of memory through the plot. The Greek culture placed a large impetus on the importance of remembering older generations and previous events, and in writing this poem, Homer is invoking memories of exactly these things. A central idea, in relation to this, is the concept of how an individual is remembered and their fear of being forgotten is largely what drives some characters on through the journey. Odysseus, in particular, is determined to return home to be remembered, rather than lost and forgotten mid-journey. This is particularly clear when he encounters Circe and Calypso: they both attempt to lure him away from his journey home but “neither of them could persuade me, for there is nothing dearer to a man than his own country.” (Homer, 10: 67-8) The message clearly sent by the encounter of Circe and her magic is that without the memory of home, man is essentially just an animal.
Penelope, the wife of Odysseus, discusses her memory of her husband and their marriage in distinctly negative tones. Athena criticises her for this and speaks dismissively of women and their ability to remain loyal to their absent loved ones: “you know what women are - they always want to do the best they can for the man who marries them, and never give another thought to the children of their first husband, nor to their father either when he is dead and done with.” (Homer, 15: 122-5) The implication being here that without a physical presence, people are quickly forgotten about and this also lends itself to the insecurity felt by Odysseus and his men in their determination to return home lest they are forgotten.
This determination to return home and strengthen their living memories is threatened firstly by the Lotos-eaters when they threaten to administer an amnesiac which would make them “forget their return.” (Homer, 9:97) It is further attacked by the Sirens song which attempts to divert the men from their path with its alluring and sensual qualities. This reiteration of the importance of memory throughout the poem, demonstrates the innate drive to present social memory as a muse: Greek legends, in particular, are still remembered and well-known today and this is due to the continued sharing of their legend.
The over-riding concept of memory throughout The Odyssey is the idea that the memory of home and its included loved ones is what allows men to be human: it allows men to embark on the glorification of their return as a hero to their homeland. By keeping this tale alive, Homer endeavours to retain the memory of the men and their heroic deeds in the social consciousness and beyond.
References
Fizgerald, Robert and Homer. The Odyssey: the Fitzgerald translation. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 1998.
Segal, Charles. Singers, Heroes, and Gods in The Odyssey. New York: Cornell University Press, 1994.
“Penelope and the Art of Memory in The Odyssey.” Mueller, Melissa. Camws.org. n.d. Web.
