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Characteristics of an Epic
There are several characteristics of an epic , which distinguishes it from other forms of poetry
. They are discussed below:
• The first and foremost characteristic of an epic is its bulky size . An epic is an
extensive and prolonged narrative in verse. Usually, every single epic has been broken
down in to multiple books. For example, Homer’s epics are divided into twenty four
books .Similarly, John Milton’s Paradise Lost has been divided into twelve books.
• Another essential feature of an epic is the fact that it dwells upon the achievements of
a historical or traditional hero, or a person of national or international significance.
Every epic extolls the valour, deeds, bravery, character and personality of a person,
who is having incredible physical and mental traits.
• Exaggeration is also an important part of an epic. The poet uses hyperbole to reveal
the prowess of a hero. He doesn’t think twice to use exaggeration to make an
impression on the audience.
• Supernaturalism is a must-have feature of an every epic. Without having to use
supernatural elements, no epic would certainly produce awe and wonder. There are
certainly gods, demons, angels, fairies, and use of supernatural forces like natural
catastrophes in every epic. Milton’s Paradise Lost, Homer’s Iliad, Beowulf and
Spenser’s Faerie Queen are replete with supernatural elements.
• Morality is a key characteristic of an epic. The poet’s foremost purpose in writing an
epic is to give a moral lesson to his readers. For instance, Johan Milton’s Paradise
Lost is a perfect example in this regard. The poet wants to justify the ways of God to
man through the story of Adam. This is the most didactic theme of the epic.
• The theme of each epic is sublime, elegant and having universal significance. It may
not be an insignificant theme, which is only limited to the personality or the locality
of the poet. It deals with the entire humanity .Thus; John Milton’s Paradise Lost is a
great example in this regard. The theme of this epic is certainly of great importance
and deals with entire humanity. It’s them is to justify the ways of God to man.
• Invocation to the Muse is another important quality of an epic. The poet, at the very
beginning of the epic, seeks the help of the Muse while writing his epic. Look at the
beginning lines of the Iliad, Odyssey and Paradise Lost.
• The diction of every epic is lofty, grand and elegant. No trivial, common or colloquial
language is used in epic. The poet tries to use sublime words to describe the events.
• Use of Epic Simile is another feature of an epic. Epic simile is a far-fetched
comparison between two objects, which runs through many lines to describe the
valour, bravery and gigantic stature of the hero. It is also called Homeric simile.
An epic poem is an elaborate narrative about an important event. It contains a character of
incredible stature and courage who performs superhuman deeds with valor in terrific battles or
journeys, and these glorious deeds are of national significance. This Penlighten article tells you about
the characteristics and examples of epic poetry.
Goddess of Epic Poetry
In Greek mythology, Calliope was the Muse of epic poetry.
The word ‘epic’ has its origins in the Greek word, “epos,” which means word or story. An
epic poetry is a lengthy narrative poem about a subject which is linked with the deeds of a
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legendary or heroic character who undergoes a series of adventures, battles or long and
arduous journeys in life. The deeds or events of the hero determine the fate of a nation and
are of great importance to the nation or race. The poem is written in a highly styled and
formal manner.
Epics come from oral poetic traditions of the past. In oral traditions, poetry is introduced to
the audience through means like audiotapes or videotapes, or carried forward from older
generations to the newer ones. Some of the prominent names in epic poetry include Homer,
Virgil, Ovid, Dante, Edmund Spenser, and Milton.
Characteristics of Epic Poetry
• The hero in the poem is a figure of heroic stature or national significance. He is
usually a warrior who faces opponents and performs courageous deeds that are valued
by the nation.
• The setting of the poem is vast and could include land, seas, oceans, the world, or
even the whole universe.
• The deeds are those which require great heroism, spirit, and bravery.
• Supernatural or other worldly forces or beings such as Gods, angels, or demons are
introduced and they play an active part in the actions of the heroic character.
• Epic poems are written in a formal manner and they often use exaggeration.
• The poet presents everything with knowledge and objectivity.
Conventions of Epic Poetry or Epic Formula
• There is invocation of a Muse by the poet before beginning the epic poem, to help
him by providing him the emotion, creativity, or articulation of speech to create a
poem. The Muse then gives the necessary inspiration to the poet and speaks through
the poet’s words to create a poem. Muses are the goddesses and sources of inspiration
in literature, science, and art in Greek mythology.
• Stating of the theme or subject of the epic poem is done by the poet to the Muse.
• It is followed by opening or beginning the narrative in medias res or in the midst of an
action and at a crucial time. The beginning of the story is mentioned with a flashback.
Flashbacks are descriptions which denote the happening of an event prior to the one
with which the poem begins.
• Concern is expressed to the future of the nation or to people.
• Objects such as ships, places, and heroic or important characters such as warriors and
armies are introduced.
• That is followed by formal speeches by the main characters.
• Epic similes are used at the appropriate places. Also called Homeric similes, they are
elaborate comparisons made by using words such as ‘like’ or ‘as’.
• Heavy usage of dialogs or similar phrases is made, to describe the characters.
• Goddess of Epic Poetry
• In Greek mythology, Calliope was the Muse of epic poetry.
• The word ‘epic’ has its origins in the Greek word, “epos,” which means word or story.
An epic poetry is a lengthy narrative poem about a subject which is linked with the
deeds of a legendary or heroic character who undergoes a series of adventures, battles
or long and arduous journeys in life. The deeds or events of the hero determine the
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fate of a nation and are of great importance to the nation or race. The poem is written
in a highly styled and formal manner.
• Epics come from oral poetic traditions of the past. In oral traditions, poetry is
introduced to the audience through means like audiotapes or videotapes, or carried
forward from older generations to the newer ones. Some of the prominent names in
epic poetry include Homer, Virgil, Ovid, Dante, Edmund Spenser, and Milton.
Characteristics of Epic Poetry
• The hero in the poem is a figure of heroic stature or national significance. He is
usually a warrior who faces opponents and performs courageous deeds that are valued
by the nation.
• The setting of the poem is vast and could include land, seas, oceans, the world, or
even the whole universe.
• The deeds are those which require great heroism, spirit, and bravery.
• Supernatural or other worldly forces or beings such as Gods, angels, or demons are
introduced and they play an active part in the actions of the heroic character.
• Epic poems are written in a formal manner and they often use exaggeration.
• The poet presents everything with knowledge and objectivity.
Conventions of Epic Poetry or Epic Formula
• There is invocation of a Muse by the poet before beginning the epic poem, to help
him by providing him the emotion, creativity, or articulation of speech to create a
poem. The Muse then gives the necessary inspiration to the poet and speaks through
the poet’s words to create a poem. Muses are the goddesses and sources of inspiration
in literature, science, and art in Greek mythology.
• Stating of the theme or subject of the epic poem is done by the poet to the Muse.
• It is followed by opening or beginning the narrative in medias res or in the midst of an
action and at a crucial time. The beginning of the story is mentioned with a flashback.
Flashbacks are descriptions which denote the happening of an event prior to the one
with which the poem begins.
• Concern is expressed to the future of the nation or to people.
• Objects such as ships, places, and heroic or important characters such as warriors and
armies are introduced.
• That is followed by formal speeches by the main characters.
• Epic similes are used at the appropriate places. Also called Homeric similes, epic
similes are elaborate comparisons made by using words such as ‘like’ or ‘as’.
• Heavy usage of dialogs or similar phrases is made, to describe the characters.
An Epic is a long narrative poem on a serious subject written in a grand style.
The subject of the Epic is a great hero or a nation or a tribe or a community.
1) The Hero must be a man of exceptional greatness. Achilles in Iliad and Adam in
Paradise Lost.
2) The epic hero takes a long journey. Odysseus in Odyssey wanders in the
Mediterranean region and in the later books goes in the underworld.
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3) The setting encompasses vast space, for example, Paradise Lost is set in Heaven
and Hell.
4) The supernatural element is commonly present in the epic. God and Goddesses take
an active part. Apollo, Zeus, Thetis and Athena are such characters in Greek Epics.
Johovah, Christ and the angels play their distinct roles in Paradise Lost.
5) Epics are Comprehensive and serious.
6) The Epics begin with Invocation and Proposition.
7) The action begins in the middle of things.
8) The Epic employs poetic devices like Homeric Epithet and Homeric simile. These
poetic devices help the poet to develop a word picture.
9) The Literary Epic usually contains a list of main characters introduced with details
about their achievements and temperament.
