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Thursday, December 23, 2010

Day Five of Poetry Week: Epic Poems

I really enjoy epic poems! I like to read them and I like to write them. Of course, I have never written something as long or amazing as The Iliad. However, the romance of heroes and heroines is never lost on me.

Definition: Epic poems are long, serious poems that tell the story of a heroic figure.

Famous Authors: Homer (?-? Perhaps 800s or 1100s) and Dante Alighieri (1265-1321)


Form: There is no specific form for all epic poems. It generally changes depending on what's popular during the era or depending on who is writing it. Usually, just choose a rhyme scheme, if any, then a number of lines in a stanza, and a general length or meter for each line and just stick with it through out the whole poem (unless you have a good reason for mixing it up along the way.) I feel that readers seek a pattern, perhaps even unconsciously. It may help them become familiar with the poem and more at ease while reading it, especially for an extended period of time if your poem turns out to be quite long.


*****Example*****

Solitary Dancer in the Night
By: Aubrie Anne (2009)

A rolling fog spread like butter
Across the silent waves of water.

Not a single sound was heard,
Not a whisper, nor a word.

The moon’s brilliant light did lie.
It’s lights could no longer be the guide.

She heard music from across the shore.
It was a melody from a book of lore.

She tried to follow her one true heart,
Prayed, “Angels don’t let me fall apart!”

Her safe haven was not very far away.
Lit candles and a blue star led the way.

Yet, in fear she ran from the hunter’s gaze,
Screaming, “I’ll be lost in all this haze!”

The hunter’s wolves were getting tired.
They would have the girl they required.

This solitary dancer would fall in their hands.
It was their mission, his one and only demand.

If only she had seen the silver owl in tow,
The one her love had sent in woe.

But she did flee from the awful sight.
She would not give to pride nor might.

This little girl was one to survive,
Divorced from vice, born to strive.

It may be the first time the hunter will lose
A pray so delicate, his one and only muse.

For still the solitary dancer does run;
For she yields to no one, nothing, none.


*****Questions*****


Have you ever read an epic poem?
Which ones?
Have you ever written an epic poem?
Please share.

23 comments:

  1. Have you read The Fairy Queen yet? It's addicting but you need a glass of Brandy and a Cigar burning in the background!

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  2. Johannie...Thanks for stopping by and following. I will be by to check out your blog today.

    Maine Mommy...Yes, I have read The Faerie Queene and probably could have mentioned Edmund Spenser as a famous epic poem writer. Did you know that it was dedicated to Queen Elizabeth? And that she is said to be the Faerie Queene?

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  3. I am ashamed to admit that I have never read the Iliad. I tend to like free-form poetry the best. It doesn't have to rhyme for me to really like it. In fact, sometimes the meter and the rhyming are a distraction for me.

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  4. The Divine Comedy is one of my favorite books.

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  5. Teri...I have only read parts of the Iliad and the Odyssey, buti have read all of Dante's Inferno. I like freeverse the best as well though.

    Matt...it's definitely my favorite epic poem.

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  6. Inferno is the best, Purgatorio is okay, and I can never finish Paradiso.

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  7. Matt...I've actually only read the Inferno, but I have heard many people say what you have just expressed. I hope to read Purgatorio and Paradiso sometime though.

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  8. I wanted to say how impressed I was with Solitary Dancer in the Night. I'm no good at poetry so I haven't written any myself, but this was so beautiful.

    Becca @ The Bookshelf Muse

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  9. I couldn't do this one - no time. I'm taking a break too. Thanks for popping by Aubrie. Glad you liked the new look (Have a great few days) X

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  10. Becca...Thank you so very much!

    Shah...No problem, Shah. You've been absolutely amazing this whole week! Merry Christmas!

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  11. Paradiso is just so boring, in my opinion.

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  12. Hello stumbled across this while searching for the full epic poem 'Dante's Inferno'.... this place looks cool....here a link to my poetry page, should anyone wish to talk a look (I hope it works!)
    http://myboomerplace.com/user/blogs/view/id_17732/name_me-sharonlee/

    Now back to Dante's Inferno....
    Sharonlee

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  13. Anonymous...thanks for stumbling by. Good luck finding that online. I don't know if you will be able to find it though. I bought a simple paperback copy of it from borders for less than $8.00 if that helps.

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  14. Hello AubrieAnne... thank you.... I have just found it... all canto's... this looks like a great place for someone like me who loves reading and writing...
    sharonlee

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  15. Sharonlee...oh good! I am happy that you were able to find it and I would love to see you around. Feel free to stop by any time. :)

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  16. Oh, I went to go and check out your poetry, but it won't let me.

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  17. I think if you highlight the link you will able to follow it.... I do have a Blogger page.... but have only just started it... only half a dozen poems on the so far...

    peace
    sharonlee

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  18. Sharonlee...Oh, I see. It's just that I have to register and then send you a request to accept my friend request.

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  19. Oh.... sorry.... what about when you click my pic here in the followers box?

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  20. sharonlee...Perfect! that worked and I am your first follower!

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  21. Groovy! Welcome to my place....
    sharonlee

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  22. sharonlee...Thanky you. :) I can't wait to read more.

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