Epyllion
An epyllion ( ancient Greek "little epic") is a form of poetry that occurs in Greek Hellenism , especially in Alexandrian literature, and also plays an important role in Roman poetry, for example among the neoterics .
Like the great epic, the Epyllion depicts mythical or historical events in verse form (usually hexameters ) and the epic diction and expression that has been canonical since the Homeric poems ; often formulaic expressions or entire parts of sentences are taken from the epic language. This can be done in serious connection with tradition, in order to lend the material to be treated the dignity of epic poetry, but also in order to create a 'modern' genre in place of the grand epic, which is no longer perceived as contemporary (so Callimachos ), or finally with parodic intent.
Important representatives and surviving examples of the Epyllion are:
- the shield of Heracles attributed to Hesiod
- the erroneously Homer attributed Batrachomyomachia from the late Hellenistic period
- Callimachos , Hekale et al. a. Poems
- Moschos , Europe
- Catullus , poem No. 64: The wedding of Peleus and Thetis
- In the appendix Vergiliana the poems Ciris , Culex and Moretum (the latter also has traits of an educational poem )
- Musaios , Hero and Leander
- Kolluthos , The Rape of Helena
- Triphiodoros , The Conquest of Troy