World Literature Studies for the CSET English Part 3

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This is part 3 in our review of World Literature studies for the CSET.

The epic hero cycle is an element of the epic genre. It is a very important formulaic plot line that is common among the most well known, and most important works of literature in the world.

Epic poems and stories usually began in oral form, and were told to the younger generation.

Epic stories are rooted in ancient Greece.

Epic Hero Cycle

1. The main character is a hero, who is often possessed of supernatural abilities or qualities.

In Homer’s Odyssey, Odysseus is one of the first Greek mythic heroes renowned for his brain as well as his muscle. Indeed he is a man with an inquiring mind, and he is also a man with outstanding prowess and bravery.

In The Epic of Gilgamesh, Gilgamesh, two-thirds god and one-third human, is the greatest king on earth and the strongest super-human that ever existed.

In Homer’s Iliad, Achilles shows the greatest military prowess of any of the Achaean ranks and has the greatest fighting ability of all of the warriors, Trojan or Achaean.

In Beowulf, Beowulf is a warrior and a man of great strength.

2. The hero is charged with a quest.

In Homer’s Odyssey, Odysseus sets out on a quest to return home (Ithaca) to regain his throne and punish the suitors.

In The Epic of Gilgamesh, Gilgamesh sets out on a quest for eternal life.

In Homer’s Iliad, Achilles’ best friend and essential “soul-mate”, Patroclus, is slain at the hands of the mighty Hector of Troy. Achilles’ quest is one of revenge.

In Beowulf, Beowulf sets out to free the Danes from a gruesome monster-giant named Grendel,

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