Issues explored in the Epic as a literature genre

Heroism
Heroism is based on wisdom. Gor made several journeys to various magicians? land to
acquire knowledge on their magical powers which made him the greatest magician of all.
E.g. He learnt about Otuoma's roots and ways about his powerful magic and
secrets. Go also the magic of his grandfather Ogalo the magic of his material grandfather
Jema and yet he desired to acquire more knowledge. He makes a journey to a magician
known as Nyakiti Gor also traverses rivers, wilderness and the lake until he reaches
Kagose in Tanganyika where he acquires knowledge of the Kagose and hence comes
back. “as bright as the eye of the sun” ie very knowledge the acquire knowledge and help
people not destructive knowledge bypass anyone did a sorcerer does not want to posses
medicine that kills medicine that cures and heals. Good leadership is based on positive
knowledge. In his search for knowledge Gor bypasses Oyamo Odidi because he did not
want to posses “medicine” that kills but he wanted medicine that cures and builds some of
the leadership qualities expressed in the epic is concern for people's welfare readiness to
make sacrifices for his people even die for the people. E.g. Ratego is asked to pass through
the fire to signify that he is ready to die for the people before he goes for war. His refusal
depicts a non-committed leader, a selfish leader who does not care for the people's
welfare, respects traditions and values that uphold by society.
Colonialism brings about exploitation and oppression the colonialist demanded cattle to
feast on people to enslave in plantations were to cook for him in his kitchen. The white
man is cruel, inconsiderate and deliminus. Osiwago, who follows the white
man?s orders as a chief, whips people at the plantations as the forces them to work. The
height of dehumanization is the death old man in following the white orders

Supernaturalism and magical happenings
Belief in supernatural powers that play an important role in the lives of the living. In ones
success or in bringing the downfall of evil people in society. e.g supernaturalism and
acquired happenings are behind the great chiefs? success in their leadership. Also
protected by the supernatural powers from destruction by the enemies Oswago?s death is
mysterious he beckons death when he refuses to heed his father advice and attempts the
burial of an elderly man whose death he had caused.
The struggle between virtues and vices e.g. evil spirits that Gor avoids the mention of the
sorcerers who cause suffering, destruction and grant pain to the people. Evil people e.g.
Gor's step
– brothers and Ratego who are the cause of the pain the people undergo during their rule
contrast their rule with Gor?s a righteous person, a great and responsible ruler who fights
evil and becomes the savior of the people and saves them from the destruction caused by
the evil rulers.

The Epic artist, the Griot
The griot, which is the name given to the epic singer, reciter or narrator refers to the epic
artist. The epic artist in most cases is a professional. Epics are not therefore, preformed by
anybody because of their nature and complexity. The art of reciting is a profession that is
handed down from one generation to generation
i.e. from one professional to another. Scholars have argued that:
(i)The epic singers have stock phrases that they use during performance. e.g. The poets
standardize the language they use to describe – celebrations, funerals, military successes
and other occasions.
(ii)The stock phrases they use are called formulae.
(iii) The Poet also learns stock themes e.g. this would include the birth of a hero the hero
in exile, the hero's exploits and the hero return among others.
(iv) The epic artist usually exaggerates the description of the hero, his physique, his
exploits and others.

The scope
The Epic takes place over a large territory in terms of action. It may cover war areas and
usually many people are involved in the various actions. In many cases the actions do not
only take place in the world alone. But also in the underworld and the heavens. Often
gods, spirits and nature are involved hence epic is by its very nature pensive and massive.

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Titany answered the question on November 11, 2021 at 06:44