Few poets would attempt what James Sale is doing — writing an epic poem in English inspired by Dante’s “The Divine Comedy.”
Reader, Come Home: “The Odyssey”
Join Megan Willome as she completes a deep read of the hero Odysseus in Emily Wilson’s translation of “The Odyssey.” And share your May pages.
“The Fall of Arthur” – A Fragment by J.R.R. Tolkien
The legend of King Arthur has captivated imaginations for centuries. Geoffrey of Monmouth started it, and even J.R.R. Tolkien tried his hand at it.
Reading in the Wild: January’s Pages
Come learn the secrets of being a wild reader. Or just share your January pages. Megan Willome leads the way, with her January good reads.
Poetry Prompt: A Tunnel to the Underworld
In Greek mythology, Persephone was snatched from the world she knew and taken to the underworld to become the wife of Hades. Come tunnel your way to the underworld with us, in poetry.
The Mythic and Heroic: “The Song of Hiawatha” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
“The Song of Hiawatha” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow is a beautiful story about a heroic leader who loses what he holds most dear.
Tales of the First Age: “Beren and Luthien” by J.R.R. Tolkien
“Beren and Luthien” by J.R.R. Tolkien is the latest story edited by his son and literary executor Christopher Tolkien, and one of the earliest he wrote.
Facing Ordeals, Learning Personal Qualities: How Odysseus’s Adventures Served Him Well
Through a series of adventures, Odysseus experiences an inner journey that teaches him prudence. By the end, peace brings his journey full circle.
Twitter Party: The Odyssey and The Wooded Isle, Part 1
“The Odyssey” by Homer provided the prompts for Tweetspeak’s recent poetry party on Twitter, and 10 would-be Homers wrote their own epic poems.
Culture and Society in The Odyssey
The culture and society that infuses Homer’s The Odyssey is similar to and different from modern Western culture and society. Here’s a clear analysis of how, with intriguing examples.
How to Write an Epic Poem: Infographic
Help our noble hero fight good and evil with an epic poem. Our colorful epic poetry infographic will show you how. (And maybe make you laugh along the way.)
The Literary Epic: Poetry Prompt
Come along on an exploration of the literary epic and find out why Virgil made us readers. Remember to pack your prompt-writing pencil!
Have We Outlived Epic Poetry? Maybe, But Herrera to Rowling Say No
Have we outlived epic poetry? Karen Swallow Prior points to today’s epic literature and the communal creation of a new epic poem as evidence it’s still around.
Epic Poetry: The Simile Prompt
Join us for this week’s prompt as we explore the nature of simile and its use in epic poetry.
Epic Poetry: Invocation of the Muse Prompt
Seek and find your muse and bring her along to inspire a poem. What’s a muse? How do you invoke one like the Greeks did? Homer shows the way.
Epic Poetry: Playlist and Prompt
In our new Epic Poetry playlist, you’ll find songs inspired by many grand epics and songs that simply sound epic. Listen along and perhaps they’ll spur you to be bold, to take a risk, to dare.