Notes on the Heroic Epic
An epic or heroic poem is:
· A long narrative poem
· On a serious subject;
· Often based in part on historical fact, blending legend with truth
· Written in a grand or elevated style;
· Centered on a larger-than-life hero who demonstrates the goals and values of his society
Epics also tend to have the following characteristics:
· An opening in medias res
· An invocation to the Muse
· A concern with the fate of a nation or a people
· A large-scale setting – covering a wide geographical area, ranging around the world, or, in modern days, even into another world or universe
· Intervention of supernatural figures, who are interested in the outcome of the action
· Extended comparisons, generally called epic similes
· Long catalogues, or directories, of ships, characters, or places
· Extensive and vivid battle scenes
· A few stock episodes, such as a visit to the underworld