Epic Poetry

Johannes Haubold

doi:10.1093/oxfordhb/9780199286140.013.0039

Epic Poetry

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter

Abstract

The term 'epic', when applied to ancient Greek literature, refers to a set of texts that may be loosely defined as narrative poetry about the deeds of gods and heroes. To a very large extent, this is a reflection of Homer's authority as the most famous epic poet. This article argues that recent comparisons between early Greek epic and modern oral traditions, as well as the discovery and investigation of ancient Hittite and Near Eastern texts, place Greek epic in a much wider literary and historical context.

Original language	English (US)
Title of host publication	The Oxford Handbook of Hellenic Studies
Publisher	Oxford University Press
ISBN (Electronic)	9780191743726
ISBN (Print)	9780199286140
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordhb/9780199286140.013.0039
State	Published - Sep 18 2012
Externally published	Yes

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

General Arts and Humanities

Keywords

Ancient greek literature
Greek epic
Hittite texts
Homer
Oral traditions

Access to Document

10.1093/oxfordhb/9780199286140.013.0039

Cite this

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KW - Oral traditions

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Epic Poetry

Abstract

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

Keywords

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