What is Epic in literature? Definitions, examples and features

Epic: Definitions, Examples and Features

Epic is a great, grand, long-lived narrative that includes great deeds performed by great men. Epic derived from the Greek word "epikos" which means "story or poem". It started with the inspiration of the muse or God. The style and nature of Epic is awe-inspiring. In Epic, there is a plot (story), characters and it is in narrative form. 

According to the Webster Dictionary: "Epic is a long narrative poem in a dignified style about the acts of one or more traditional heroes, usually a poem like Iliad or The Odyssey with some formal characteristics." All the epics of the world are in book form. In English, the longest epic is "Paradise Lost" by John Milton. The epic origin is in Greek. The epics of Virgil (70-19 BC) and Homer, “The Iliad and the Odyssey (7th BC. Conventional epics revolve around a hero who must perform multiple tasks of cosmic and national importance in a multiplicity of episodes. Classical epics have their roots in myth, religion and history, present a limited and particular view of history and periods.

In modern times, there is no was no longer needed and its position weakened. It was eventually replaced by a novel. It was in fact a precursor of the modern novel because of its structural characteristics. The epic is presented in verse form, but it is not classified as poetry. In epic stories of warriors and kings are written to discuss and appreciate their greatness and struggle. Renaissance critics consider epic to be the highest genre of poetry.

Features of Epic

Features of epic include:

• Formal style

• Long story (usually in book form)

• Poetic form

• Hyperbole

• Myths

• Heroic stories

• Digressions 

• Third person narrator