What is an Epic?
A long narrative poem.
The Epic: When Lengthy Narratives Take Center Stage
An epic is a lengthy narrative poem that typically tells the story of a heroic character or group of characters and their adventures.
The origins of the epic can be traced back to ancient civilizations such as Greece and India, where they were often recited by poets and performers at public gatherings and festivals.
Epic poems are known for their grandeur and scale, often spanning multiple generations or even centuries, and featuring themes such as war, love, and the struggles of humanity.
Famous examples of epic poetry include Homer's Iliad and Odyssey, Dante's Divine Comedy, and Milton's Paradise Lost.
While epics are typically written in verse, modern-day novels, films, and even video games often draw on the conventions of this ancient literary form, featuring larger-than-life characters and epic storylines that capture the imagination and inspire audiences for generations to come.
Here are two examples of epic literature that have stood the test of time.
The Iliad is an epic poem that recounts the events of the Trojan War, including the wrath of the hero Achilles and the siege of Troy.
Beowulf is an Old English epic poem that tells the story of the hero Beowulf and his battles against monsters and dragons.