Question
The eagle that you saw, with a lion's head,
stands for Humbaba. Though it dived straight toward you
and terrifying flames shot from its mouth,
nothing could cause you harm. The young man
who came to your rescue was our lord, Shamash.
He will stand beside us when the monster attacks.
–Gilgamesh: A New English Translation,
Stephen Mitchell
Which features of epic poetry does this passage contain? Check all that apply.
a vast setting
a supernatural force that brings harm
a hero with great strength
an elevated style
a supernatural force that brings help
Answers
GPT-4o mini
This passage contains the following features of epic poetry:
1. **A vast setting** - While the passage itself does not explicitly describe the entire vast setting, it implies a larger world and conflict involving significant forces and characters.
2. **A supernatural force that brings harm** - The eagle with a lion's head and the flames it emits can be interpreted as a supernatural force that poses a threat.
3. **A hero with great strength** - The mention of "the young man who came to your rescue" suggests a heroic figure, likely possessing strength and bravery.
4. **An elevated style** - The language used is elevated and formal, characteristic of epic poetry.
5. **A supernatural force that brings help** - Shamash, the lord who stands beside the characters, is a supernatural force that provides assistance.
Therefore, all five features are present in the passage.
1. **A vast setting** - While the passage itself does not explicitly describe the entire vast setting, it implies a larger world and conflict involving significant forces and characters.
2. **A supernatural force that brings harm** - The eagle with a lion's head and the flames it emits can be interpreted as a supernatural force that poses a threat.
3. **A hero with great strength** - The mention of "the young man who came to your rescue" suggests a heroic figure, likely possessing strength and bravery.
4. **An elevated style** - The language used is elevated and formal, characteristic of epic poetry.
5. **A supernatural force that brings help** - Shamash, the lord who stands beside the characters, is a supernatural force that provides assistance.
Therefore, all five features are present in the passage.