Epic Poetry/Definition

Overview	Definition	Characteristics	Culture	Heroes	Epics	Glossary

Epic poetry is from the human age of expansion. It tells the tales of heroism and ferocity from our distant past, where the roots of civilization were sewn. Epic poetry is a genre of literature that dates back to ancient times and is characterized by its lengthy narrative structure, important subject matter, and elevated language. It centers around a semi-divine figure whose deeds impact a tribe or nation. The earliest and most prominent examples of epic poetry are the Homeric epics: Iliad and Odyssey, two epic poems that have had a lasting impact on Western literature and culture.

Homer (British Museum)

Epic poetry has its origins in ancient oral traditions and was passed down through generations by bards (rhapsodos) or poets (aoidos) who would sing these epic tales to their audiences. These poems, called primary epics, typically centered on the exploits of heroic figures, their battles, and their relationships with the gods. In ancient Greece, these stories taught moral lessons, preserved cultural traditions, and provided a sense of national identity (paideia).

The Iliad and the Odyssey, composed by Homer around the 8th century BCE, are two of the most well-known epic poems in the Western canon, and they deal with the two extremes of the human condition: war and peace. The Iliad (a mēnis, or song of wrath) is an epic poem that tells the story of the Trojan War and the heroism of the Greek warrior Achilles. The Odyssey (a nostos or song of return) concerns Odysseus’ ten-year journey home after the Trojan War.

One of the defining characteristics of epic poetry is its elevated language, also known as epic diction. This epic language is characterized by the use of formal, lofty verse and a grand style. Epic poems also feature a formal structure, such as a consistent meter or rhyme scheme (dactylic hexameter), which contributes to the overall impact of the poem: it made audiences pay attention, as the diction suggested its implicit importance.

Another important characteristic of epic poetry is its use of the epic simile. Epic similes are elaborate comparisons that draw parallels between seemingly dissimilar things. For example, in the Iliad, Homer compares the sound of warriors charging into battle to the sound of cranes in flight, creating a vivid image in the reader’s mind and implying a certain significance to events.

Epic poems feature heroic figures who embody virtues such as courage, honor, and loyalty (arete). These heroes undergo trials and tribulations and must overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles to achieve their goals. The gods also play a significant role in epic poetry, frequently intervening in human affairs and shaping the outcomes of battles for their own whims.

The lasting impact of epic poetry on Western culture is immeasurable. The Iliad and the Odyssey have been translated into numerous languages and have influenced countless works of literature, including Virgil’s Aeneid and Dante’s Divine Comedy. Epic poetry has also influenced other art forms, such as music, film, and television. For example, the Star Wars franchise, which draws heavily from epic conventions, has become a cultural phenomenon in its own right. Epic poetry continues to inspire and captivate audiences to this day, making it an important and enduring part of our cultural heritage.

Additional Reading

• “What Is an Epic?”
• “The Role of Myth in the Ancient Epics”
• “On the Primary and Secondary Epics”