Epic, Really Epic

Epic, Really Epic Epic, Really Epic Epic, Really Epic By Maeve Maddox The word epic is used so sloppily these days that a modern day polar explorer referring to the harrowing and courageous exploits of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s Trans-Antarctic expedition felt that modification was needed: â€Å"It [Shackleton’s crossing] was epic, really epic† Really in this quotation is not being used as an intensifier; it means â€Å"truly.† It’s not a throwaway epic, but a genuine epic meaning â€Å"like something only a hero could accomplish.† The word epic derives from a Greek word meaning â€Å"word, narrative, or song.† In a literary context, an epic is a grand narrative like the Iliad that recounts the courageous and danger-fraught adventures of a hero of the stature of Achilles, Gilgamesh, or Beowulf. Scholars distinguish between â€Å"folk epics† and â€Å"literary epics.† Many of the frequently cited literary epics originated as folk epics, that is, traditional stories passed down through an oral tradition. Of the frequently cited world literary epics listed below, only the Aeneid, written by Virgil to celebrate the founding of Rome and the family of the Emperor Augustus, does not descend from an oral tradition: Before Common Era The Epic of Gilgamesh (Akkadian c1200 BCE) Iliad (Greek c 800 BCE) Odyssey (Greek c 800 BCE) Mahabharata (Sanskrit c 800 BCE) The Bhagavad Gita (Sanskrit c 400 BCE) Common Era The Aeneid (Latin c 20 BCE) Beowulf (English c 900 CE) Chanson de Roland (French c 1000 CE) Tain Bo Cuailnge (Irish c 1100 CE) The Nibelungenlied (German c 1200 CE) The Poetic Edda (Norse c 1200 CE) Some definitions would restrict epic to mean only works written in verse, but in terms of epic heroes and adventure, such modern works as Tolkien’s Ring trilogy and its many spin-offs continue the tradition. Because epics are long, the adjective epic can refer to size or dimensions, as in â€Å"epic proportions.† More often, epic describes an achievement requiring great courage and the strength to overcome physical hardship, as in this reference to Lewis and Clark: After the expedition recuperated, they entrusted their horses to the Nez Perce and set off in cottonwood canoes for their epic journey to the Pacific Ocean. Like the formerly meaningful adjective awesome, epic has dwindled in common speech to mean hardly anything: This is No ordinary epic blog. It’s a really epically epic blog. How Long Should It Take To Write An Epic Post? James Murphy on new Arcade Fire album: ‘Its really epic’ Songs that start slow but then get really epic Related Post: †Jane Austen Did Not Write Epics† Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Vocabulary category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:Inquire vs EnquireLoan, Lend, Loaned, LentAffect vs. Effect

Top 5 Overlooked and Rewarding Healthcare Careers

Top 5 Overlooked and Rewarding Healthcare Careers think outside the box if you have a passion for healthcare, but want to avoid more typical career paths. this field is filled to the brim with fascinating opportunities for all different skill sets. here are 5 careers that showcase the career diversity of industry. is one right for you? medical transcriptionistthis position consists of typing up doctors’ audio recordings into medical reports; it is vital to maintaining smooth administrative activity and coordinating care across disciplines. the more you work, the more you’ll make; the average earnings for this position are around $36,000. the perks include flexible schedules, the ability to work from home, and affordable training programs that can certify you in just a few months.dietitiandietitians studying the science of nutrition and food. in this profession, you work with clients to assess their health needs and goals, develop plans of action and exercise, and advise them about their diets. the average salary is $59 ,000. dietitians can work in all kinds of institutions, from hospitals to long-term care, colleges to program offices. you may also be able to work part-time and set flexible hours. you’ll need a degree and a license in order to practice.healthcare it specialistthe growing tech needs of the healthcare industry mean that specialized it professionals can find rewarding, lucrative work in this field. responsibilities include installing and maintaining records systems and networks, providing support to coworkers, and securing industry certifications like cmaa and cehrs. salary can range from $37,000 to $59,000 annually.midwifemidwives are childbirth specialists trained in monitoring pregnancy, birth, and post-partum care. positions exist in hospitals, birthing centers, and even remotely in various homes. the on-call hours can be demanding, but scheduling is flexible and the work is undeniably rewarding. salaries can run as high as $96k, and the field requires licensing and regula r certification updates.medical codermedical codes are used in healthcare to identify procedures and health issues for insurance and billing purposes. the average pay is $50,000 annually, more with specialized certifications; coders work in hospitals, institutions, and related office settings. make sure you find a worthwhile training program that will provide you with support and job placement after graduation.