The use of recurring phrases, words, or patterns to emphasize important themes, characters, or events, often creating a sense of grandeur, memorability, and oral storytelling.
Here's why:
* Emphasis and Importance: Repetition highlights key elements of the epic, making them memorable for the audience. This could be a hero's name, a significant event, or a recurring motif.
* Oral Tradition: Epic poetry was originally passed down orally, and repetition was crucial for memorization. This helped bards retain long narratives and deliver them effectively.
* Rhythm and Flow: Repetition creates a rhythm and flow to the poem, making it more enjoyable to listen to and enhancing the overall impact.
* Symbolism and Significance: Repeated phrases can take on symbolic meaning, adding depth and complexity to the epic's themes.
Examples of repetition in epic poetry:
* Homer's *The Iliad*: The phrase "the swift-footed Achilles" is repeated frequently, emphasizing Achilles' speed and importance.
* *The Epic of Gilgamesh*: The repetition of the phrase "Gilgamesh, the king" reinforces his power and stature.
* *Beowulf*: The phrase "the king of the Geats" is used numerous times, establishing Beowulf's identity and highlighting his heroic qualities.
Repetition is not simply redundancy in epic poetry; it's a powerful tool that contributes to the poem's structure, memorability, and overall impact.