"COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF EPICS"
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21276/IERJ24640375651733Keywords:
Epics, Cultural Heritage, Tradition, Cultural Identity, Civilization, Heroism, Fate, MoralityAbstract
This paper presents a comprehensive comparative analysis of epics across different cultures, delving into their intricate narratives, thematic underpinnings, and socio-cultural significance. Epics, as timeless literary masterpieces, serve as repositories of cultural heritage and collective memory, embodying the ethos and values of diverse civilizations. Through a comparative lens, this study aims to elucidate the commonalities and divergences among epics, shedding light on the universal themes that resonate across human experiences while also highlighting the nuances shaped by specific cultural contexts.
Drawing upon a diverse array of epic traditions such as the Indian Mahabharata, the Greek Odyssey, the Norse Edda, and the African Sundiata, among others, this analysis navigates through the rich tapestry of myth, legend, and heroic exploits. It examines the archetypal motifs of heroism, fate, and the struggle between good and evil, which permeate these narratives, transcending geographical boundaries and temporal epochs.
Furthermore, this comparative study explores the socio-cultural functions of epics, elucidating their roles in shaping collective identity, moral codes, and societal norms. By juxtaposing epics from different cultures, this research seeks to unravel the intricate interplay between myth and history, oral tradition and written text, and the dynamic process of cultural transmission and adaptation.
Through this interdisciplinary approach, this paper contributes to a deeper understanding of the human condition, elucidating how epics serve as mirrors reflecting the aspirations, fears, and aspirations of humanity across epochs and geographies. Ultimately, this comparative analysis endeavours to foster cross-cultural dialogue and appreciation, recognizing the enduring relevance and timeless allure of epic literature in the global mosaic of human civilization.
References
List of primary and secondary sources used in the analysis
Primary Sources:
I. "The Iliad" by Homer
II. "The Odyssey" by Homer
III. "The Ramayana" attributed to Valmiki
IV. "Mahabharata" attributed to Vyasa
V. "The Epic of Gilgamesh" (various translations)
VI. "Beowulf" (Old English epic poem)
VII. "The Aeneid" by Virgil
VIII. "The Arabian Nights" (One Thousand and One Nights) - collection of Middle Eastern folktales
IX. "Journey to the West" by Wu Cheng'en
X. "Popol Vuh" (Maya creation myth)
XI. "The Kalevala" (Finnish epic poetry)
Secondary Sources:
I. Frye, N. (1957). "Anatomy of Criticism: Four Essays."
II. Lord, A. B. (1960). "The Singer of Tales."
III. Campbell, J. (1949). "The Hero with a Thousand Faces."
IV. Segal, C. (1995). "Interpreting Greek Tragedy: Myth, Poetry, Text."
V. Nardo, D. (Ed.). (1999). "Readings on The Epic of Gilgamesh."
VI. Griffiths, F. (1995). "The Ramayana: An Interpretative Study."
VII. Dimock, E. C., & van Buitenen, J. A. B. (Eds.). (1978). "The Mahabharata: Volume 1."
VIII. Wood, M. (2018). "In Search of the Trojan War."
IX. Foley, J. M. (1999). "How to Read an Oral Poem."
X. Nagy, G. (1996). "Homeric Questions."
XI. Lefkowitz, M. R., & Fant, M. B. (2005). "Women's Life in Greece and Rome: A Source Book in Translation."
Citations for relevant scholarly works
Primary Sources:
I. Homer. (Date not specified). "The Iliad."
II. Homer. (Date not specified). "The Odyssey."
III. Valmiki. (Date not specified). "The Ramayana."
IV. Vyasa. (Date not specified). "Mahabharata."
V. Various translations of "The Epic of Gilgamesh."
VI. Various translations of "Beowulf."
VII. Virgil. (Date not specified). "The Aeneid."
VIII. Various translations of "The Arabian Nights."
IX. Wu Cheng'en. (Date not specified). "Journey to the West."
X. Various translations of "Popol Vuh."
XI. Various translations of "The Kalevala."
Secondary Sources:
I. Frye, N. (1957). "Anatomy of Criticism: Four Essays." Princeton University Press.
II. Lord, A. B. (1960). "The Singer of Tales." Harvard University Press.
III. Campbell, J. (1949). "The Hero with a Thousand Faces." Pantheon Books.
IV. Segal, C. (1995). "Interpreting Greek Tragedy: Myth, Poetry, Text." Cornell University Press.
V. Nardo, D. (Ed.). (1999). "Readings on The Epic of Gilgamesh." Greenhaven Press.
VI. Griffiths, F. (1995). "The Ramayana: An Interpretative Study." Curzon Press.
VII. Dimock, E. C., & van Buitenen, J. A. B. (Eds.). (1978). "The Mahabharata: Volume 1." University of Chicago Press.
VIII. Wood, M. (2018). "In Search of the Trojan War." University of California Press.
IX. Foley, J. M. (1999). "How to Read an Oral Poem." University of Illinois Press.
X. Nagy, G. (1996). "Homeric Questions." University of Texas Press.
XI. Lefkowitz, M. R., & Fant, M. B. (2005). "Women's Life in Greece and Rome: A Source Book in Translation." Johns Hopkins University Press.
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