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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. In this lesson, we will look at typical Epic plots and consider what qualities make a typical Epic hero.

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This content is made available by Oak National Academy Limited and its partners and licensed under Oak’s terms & conditions (Collection 1), except where otherwise stated.

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5 Questions

Q1.
Which of these is NOT true of Epic poems?
Correct answer: They are extremely boring.
They are really long.
They are set in the past.
They involve heroes and gods.
Q2.
Which of these is the best definition for the 'oral tradition' in epic poetry?
Correct answer: Invent a poem which you learn by heart and sing to others, possibly with music.
Listen to someone's poem, write it down, but pretend it's yours.
Think of a poem, set it to music, walk around humming to yourself.
Write down the longest poem you possibly can.
Q3.
Which of these was the oldest Epic poem?
Beowulf, from Britain
La Araucana, from Chile
Correct answer: The Epic of Gilgamesh, from Ancient Mesopotamia
The Odyssey, from Ancient Greece
Q4.
What is a key theme in many Epic poems?
Magic
Nature
Romantic love
Correct answer: War and battles
Q5.
Which of these is NOT a common convention in Epic poems?
Long descriptions of people or objects
Repeated phrases
Correct answer: Short speeches
Similes

4 Questions

Q1.
Which of these is NOT true of Epic poems?
There is a clear code of honour.
They are set in the past.
Correct answer: They have a romantic plot.
They involve heroes and gods.
Q2.
If you were an Epic hero, what might you have to do? Select the odd one out.
Follow a strict code of honourable behaviour.
Go on a mission to steal something.
Correct answer: Learn a new skill, like crochet or origami.
Take a long journey somewhere.
Q3.
What might get you in trouble in an Epic poem?
You keep forgetting to charge your phone, and can't use it to find your way.
You lost your best mate's favourite sword and now he's angry with you.
Correct answer: Your annoying personality flaw, like boastfulness.
Your forgetful nature: you got given a mission from a god, but forgot what they actually asked you to do.
Q4.
What's the most heroic way to kill a monster in an Epic poem?
Correct answer: Kill it with your bare hands to demonstrate your superhuman strength.
Poison its dinner.
Tickle it to death.
Wait until it's asleep, then attack it with your sword.