Epics are long narrative poems that tell the stories of heroic figures and significant events in a culture’s history. They often start in distinctive ways that set them apart from other literary forms. Understanding these traditional beginnings can enhance our appreciation of these monumental works.
Common Starting Points of Epics
Epics typically begin with specific conventions that serve both structural and thematic purposes. The most notable are:
- In Medias Res: Starting “in the middle of things,” where the narrative opens amidst action.
- Invocation to the Muse: A plea to a divine figure for inspiration in telling the tale.
- Statement of Theme: An upfront declaration of the poem’s main subject or message.
Let’s explore each of these conventions in detail.
Beginning In Medias Res
“In medias res” is a Latin term meaning “in the middle of things.” When an epic begins this way, it drops the audience directly into the action, bypassing initial background information. This technique engages readers immediately and creates intrigue about prior events.
Examples:
- Homer’s The Iliad: The poem opens during the Trojan War, focusing on a quarrel between Achilles and Agamemnon, rather than starting with the war’s origins.
- Homer’s The Odyssey: The story begins with Odysseus stranded on Calypso’s island, well into his journey home, leaving earlier adventures to be recounted later.
By starting in the midst of action, these epics capture attention and allow for dynamic storytelling.
Invoking the Muse
Another common epic convention is the invocation to the Muse. In ancient Greek mythology, Muses were goddesses who inspired the arts and sciences. Poets would call upon them at the beginning of their works to seek divine inspiration and authority for their storytelling.
Purpose of Invocation:
- Seeking Inspiration: The poet asks for the creativity and skill needed to tell the epic tale effectively.
- Establishing Authority: By invoking a Muse, the poet aligns with divine forces, lending credibility to the narrative.
- Setting the Tone: The invocation often outlines the epic’s themes and prepares the audience for the story’s grandeur.
Examples:
- Homer’s The Odyssey: The poem begins with, “Sing to me of the man, Muse, the man of twists and turns…” This line calls upon the Muse to narrate Odysseus’s complex journey.
- Virgil’s The Aeneid: It starts with, “O Muse! the causes and the crimes relate; What goddess was provok’d, and whence her hate…” Here, Virgil seeks the Muse’s help to explain the trials of Aeneas.
This tradition underscores the poet’s humility and the belief that storytelling is a divine gift.
Stating the Theme
Epics often begin with a clear statement of the main theme or subject matter. This approach provides the audience with an immediate understanding of the poem’s focus and significance.
Purpose of Stating the Theme:
- Guiding the Audience: It offers a roadmap of what to expect, making the complex narrative more accessible.
- Highlighting Importance: By declaring the theme upfront, the poet emphasizes the story’s cultural or moral significance.
Examples:
- Homer’s The Iliad: The epic opens by announcing its focus on “the wrath of Achilles,” setting the stage for the ensuing drama.
- John Milton’s Paradise Lost: The poem begins with, “Of man’s first disobedience, and the fruit of that forbidden tree…” This line immediately introduces the theme of humanity’s fall from grace.
Stating the theme at the outset helps anchor the audience’s attention and frames their interpretation of the narrative.
Why Do Epics Begin This Way?
The traditional beginnings of epics serve several important functions:
- Engagement: Starting in medias res thrusts the audience into the action, capturing interest from the outset.
- Structure: Invoking the Muse and stating the theme provide a formal framework that organizes the epic’s vast material.
- Cultural Continuity: These conventions connect the epic to a longstanding oral tradition, honoring past storytellers and their methods.
- Authority: By appealing to divine inspiration, the poet asserts the narrative’s authenticity and elevates its status.
Collectively, these elements create a familiar and respected format that has been used across cultures and centuries to tell profound stories.
Conclusion
Epics traditionally begin with conventions like starting in medias res, invoking the Muse, and stating the theme. These techniques serve to engage the audience, provide structure, and establish the narrative’s significance. Recognizing these patterns enriches our understanding of epic poetry and its enduring impact on literature.
Related topics: