What is a heroic poem? Obviously, this is a term denoting a particular literary genre. How is it characterized and how is it different from the rest? In which countries were such works created? What can serve as an example of this genre? The answers to these questions can be found in the article.
Composition of the concept
Definitely, a “heroic poem” is a composite term. It is based on two concepts: “poem” and “hero”. It makes sense to consider each separately, and then combine the meaning.
A poem (from the Greek poiema “creation”) as a literary genre is a large-scale work in verse related to the lyro-epic genus. Such a work consists of several parts, united by one plot, in which any important events are conveyed in a narrative form. Features of the poem as a literary genre:
- detailed plot (many scenes and events);
- breadth of narration (sometimes spanning years and generations);
- deeply revealed image of a lyrical hero.
The origins of the poem lie in the epics of antiquity and the Middle Ages.
Hero (from the Greek geros “daredevil, strongman, demigod” and French. Heros “hero”) - in literature this word can represent the following concepts:
- the protagonist of a work;
- valiant brave man, accomplisher of feats.
Formed from the noun “hero”, the adjective “heroic”, respectively, can mean the following:
- capable of heroism;
- describing any heroic events.
Heroic Poem: Definition
Using the definitions of the concepts of “poem” and “hero”, we can formulate what “heroic poem” means. This is a multi-part poetic work in literature, the theme of which is some important and heroic events, usually associated with legendary characters, their exploits or travels.
A heroic poem is, first of all, a work of art, which is a literary processed folk epos, characteristic of many cultures and existed since antiquity.
In one form or another, a heroic poem exists in almost every nation in the world. Epic folk traditions gradually united in poetic cycles, then gained wide fame and popularity.
As a rule, an epic work has an author who has combined and processed literally scattered legends. Examples of the ancient heroic epic are: Indian Ramayana and Mahabharata, Greek Iliad and Odyssey, Old Norse Edda, Finnish Kalevala, German Song of the Nibelungs, French Song of Roland, Italian “Liberated Jerusalem”, the Anglo-Saxon “Beowulf”, etc.
From antiquity to classicism
The genre of the heroic epic inspired poets of both ancient times and subsequent centuries. It reached its heyday in the 18th century, and was enthusiastically picked up by the representatives of classicism. The genre of the historical poem attracted them with its heroic pathos, sublimity and citizenship. The lyrical hero of the poem must have been a moral model. Classicists called these works the peak of poetic art. It was believed that every nation should strive to create their own heroic poems.
At the heyday of classicism, a heroic poem is a poetic work written in an elevated style and consisting of many chapters, often referred to as “songs”. The theme of the story has invariably become historical events that are significant for a given nation, country and all of humanity. Another name for this genre is epic.
The content of the heroic poem
According to the canons of classicism, such a work must necessarily include the following components:
- beginning reporting the subject of the story;
- appeal to those who inspired the poet;
- a large number of detailed battle scenes;
- fantastic plot elements and mythological characters;
- allegorical characters representing vice, virtue, justice, power, envy, etc .;
- lines about the future set forth as divination.
In Russian tradition
The Russian heroic poem was developed in the works of M. V. Lomonosov (“Peter the Great”), V. K. Trediakovsky (“Tilemakhida”), A. P. Sumarokov (“Dimitriad”) and A. N. Maykov (“Liberated Moscow” ") And M. M. Kheraskova (" Chesme battle "and" Rossiada "). All these works were written in the style of classicism. The narration went along one of the alternative paths: the predominance of historical or artistic in the plot. In the first case, emphasis was placed on preserving historical authenticity, and in the second, on the artistic interpretation of past events and the development of their moral assessment. Therefore, individual Russian heroic poems differ significantly from each other in style and orientation.
In eastern tradition
The heroic poem in the East is a small epic genre known as “dastan” (translated from Persian “story”). Such a work can be written in poetic, prosaic and even mixed languages (that is, it can combine poetry and prose).
Usually folk stories and fairy tales were the basis of the plot of the dastan. Fantastic and adventure stories with many difficult ups and downs are not uncommon for this genre. The image of the protagonist is a
moral ideal. Thus, the eastern dastan is an analogue of the European heroic poem.
This literary genre is represented in the works of Tajik-Persian, Uzbek and Kazakh poets. Examples of oriental heroic poems: “Leili and Majnun”, the classic of Persian poetry Nizami Ganjavi, the epic poem “Shahnameh” Firdousi, poetic work of the Uzbek poet Alisher Navoi and the Persian-Tajik poet Jami.
By following the historical path that the heroic poem has traveled, one can confidently assert that this genre was characteristic of mankind at all stages of its existence, and was also developed in many parts of the world.