What is epic?

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An epic is a long narrative poem that tells the story of a hero and his great adventures. The hero usually represents the values and ideals of a nation or culture. Epics often deal with grand themes such as bravery, honor, friendship, war, and the struggle between good and evil. The style of an epic is serious, formal, and elevated, and it often begins with an invocation to a muse and includes supernatural elements like gods or spirits.

Epics were originally part of oral tradition, meaning they were told and passed down by word of mouth before being written down. They helped preserve the history, beliefs, and traditions of ancient societies.

Key Features

  • A long narrative poem with a grand, serious tone.
  • A heroic main character with extraordinary qualities.
  • Involvement of gods, supernatural forces, or fate.
  • A vast setting covering many places and even worlds.
  • Use of formal language and detailed descriptions.
  • Begins with an invocation to a muse and starts “in medias res” (in the middle of the action).

Famous Examples

  • Homer’s "Iliad" and "Odyssey" – tell the stories of Greek heroes Achilles and Odysseus.
  • Virgil’s "Aeneid" – follows Aeneas’s journey from Troy to Italy to found Rome.
  • John Milton’s "Paradise Lost" – an English epic about the fall of man and Satan’s rebellion against God.
  • Dante Alighieri’s "Divine Comedy" – an Italian epic describing a journey through Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven.
  • The Indian "Mahabharata" and "Ramayana" – great Sanskrit epics that explore duty, war, and moral struggles.

Importance in Literature

The epic is important because it:

  • Preserves cultural history and moral values.
  • Celebrates human courage and endurance.
  • Combines history, mythology, and moral lessons.
  • Inspired many later forms of literature, including novels and films.


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