Epic Poems — Definition, Characteristics, and Examples
What is an epic poem?
An epic poem is a long narrative poem written in verse that is often the length of a novel. The narrative typically tells the story of a single person or a group of people. Classic epic poetry was initially an oral tradition passed down by bards and celebrated the heroic actions during a historical or cosmic event.
Poets focus on the adventure of a specific hero who often possesses superhuman or divine abilities. They are involved in a journey where their responsibility is to protect their people, city, or the entire world.
Epic poem characteristics
Characteristics of an epic poem include the following:
Hero: Epic poets focus mainly on the journey of a hero who is celebrated by his people yet has a flaw that creates issues throughout the narrative. Accomplishing the goal, the hero overcomes his faults for the benefit of his people.
Setting: The epic hero traverses through multiple otherworldly regions during time periods that extend beyond the audience's knowledge.
Content: Epic poems follow a hero who experiences various obstacles that initially seem insurmountable. The hero overcomes any hindrance by utilizing skills learned both before and during the journey.
Muse: Muses are the personified force that provides protagonists with the inspiration they need to commit themselves to the journey.
Style: Epic poems maintain a formal style and tone.
Point of View: Poets use an omniscient third-person narrator.
History of epic poetry
Some of the oldest written narratives in the world are great epic poems, including Homer’s Iliad (Greece), The Epic of Gilgamesh (Mesopotamia), Virgil’s Aeneid (Rome), and Mahabharata (India).
Ancient Roman and Greek epics were composed in a verse form called dactylic hexameter (six feet of one long and two short syllables). Because of Homeric epics, dactylic hexameter became the standard for Greek and Latin oral poetry.
Epic poetry has changed over time to suit the culture’s beliefs and traditions. Edmund Spenser’s The Faerie Queene was published in English in the 1500s and reflected the values of the Elizabethan era. There was a renewed interest in long poems in the twentieth century, which led to new publications such as The Cantos by Ezra Pound.
Examples of epic poetry
Famous examples of epic poems include Beowulf, The Odyssey, and Paradis Lost:
Beowulf: Beowulf follows the titular character’s journey as he protects his people from Grendel, a monstrous creature that devours the warriors of Denmark. Beowulf successfully defeats Grendel, protecting his people; however, Grendel’s mother seeks revenge. Upon confronting her, Beowulf also defeats Grendel’s mother, granting peace to the people for 50 years.
The Odyssey by Homer: Homer’s Odyssey focuses on the journey of Odysseus upon returning home after defeating the Trojan army. Due to Odysseus’s arrogant nature, Poseidon, the ancient Greek god of the sea, pushes his boat off course, leaving Odysseus and his men to wander for 10 years in the Mediterranean Sea. Through various trials and tribulations, Odysseus finally makes it home to Ithaca, despite losing his men along the way.
The Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri: Dante’s Divine Comedy focuses on the journey of Dante, led by the poet Virgil through Hell (Inferno), Purgatory (Purgatorio), and Heaven (Paradiso). Throughout his journey, Virgil reveals to Dante the various states of the soul after death that range from punishment in the seven circles of Hell to the paradise of Heaven.
Paradise Lost by John Milton: Milton's blank-verse epic poem follows the fall of Adam and Eve and Satan's journey from Hell to the Garden of Eden. Through Satan's journey, Milton shows the arrival of sin and death as they follow Satan to the garden. Through the journey of Adam and Eve, Milton provides insight into what led them to commit their original sin.