EPYLLION Meaning and
Definition
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An epyllion is a genre of classical poetry dating back to ancient Greece and Rome. Derived from the Greek word "epyllion," meaning "little epic," it refers to a short narrative poem that imitates the style and structure of an epic but on a smaller scale. Epyllions are typically characterized by their focus on a single event, mythological story, or episode from larger epics.
These poems often follow a specific meter and rhyme scheme, similar to the epics they emulate. They frequently explore themes of heroic deeds, love, adventure, and conflicts, incorporating elements of mythology and folklore. Epyllions may feature renowned mythological characters, gods, or heroes as protagonists, and they exhibit a heightened dramatic effect to engage the reader.
In terms of structure, epyllions typically consist of a prologue that establishes the context, followed by the main narrative, and a conclusion that may provide a moral or lesson. While epyllions are shorter than epics, they are still considered ambitious and complex works, requiring craftsmanship and skill in storytelling.
Renowned examples of epyllion include Hellenistic Greek poet Theocritus' "Idylls," Ovid's "Metamorphoses," and Roman poet Virgil's "Aeneid." Throughout history, this genre has continued to inspire poets around the world, shaping subsequent narrative and epic forms.
Common Misspellings for EPYLLION
- wpyllion
- spyllion
- dpyllion
- rpyllion
- 4pyllion
- 3pyllion
- eoyllion
- elyllion
- e0yllion
- eptllion
- epgllion
- ephllion
- epullion
- ep7llion
- ep6llion
- epyklion
- epyplion
- epyolion
- epylkion
- epylpion
Etymology of EPYLLION
The word "epyllion" is derived from the Greek term "epyllion", which means "little epic" or "short epic". It is a compound word formed from "epos" (meaning "epic" or "poem") and the diminutive suffix "-yllion". The term was coined by scholars in the 19th century to denote a specific genre of poetry that consists of short narrative poems with epic elements.
