Observation Skills

And Making Inferences

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Epic: a long narrative poem or story in elevated style recounting the deeds of a legendary or historical hero. Can you think of a story or movie that is similar to an epic that you have seen? Most epics are from ancient civilizations. Can you think of a modern example?

The Mahabharata

• One of two major epics in India, it is the longest epic poem in the world. It is attributed to Vyasa and tells the history of Hindus. It also gives the four goals in life that Hinduism is based on.

The Ramayana

• The second of two major epics in India, written by Valmiki. The poem tells of a prince whose wife is abducted by a demon. This epic is also of great religious importance to the people of India.

The Iliad

• A Greek epic describing the siege of the city of Ilium in the Trojan War, attributed to Homer. The story includes Greek gods and goddesses, and show heroes on both the side of the Greeks and the Trojans.

The Odyssey

• A Greek epic about the return trip of Odysseus after the Trojan war, written by Homer. It includes Greek gods and goddesses, and tells of mythical creatures and lands, like the Sirens and Cyclops. Odysseus is the hero of the story, as he tries to get home to his son and wife.

I CAN…

6.1.spi.4.

recognize significant epics as historical sources (i.e., Iliad, the Odyssey, Mahabharata, Ramayana).