What is an epic?
The epic is a classical form of writing and it is a lengthy narrative poem, usually about extraordinary deeds or activities. Usually, the epic has extraordinary characters, like, superhuman, Gods or supernatural characters. Ramayana and Mahabaratha are examples of Indian classical epics. The Paradise Lost is another example of an epic. The epic stories deal with a lofty ( high or impressive) theme and use exalted (high-ranked) language.
Characteristics of the epics
There are ten identifiable features of an epic, but it is not necessary that every epic has all ten features. Broadly speaking, the following are the major attributes of an epic narrative.
- Exalted or serious theme and it deals with the heroic act of a great man, like a king or a leader, or a warrior who has exceptional skill or ability. In other words, an epic celebrates the great deeds of exceptional men. It also deals with the interference of the divine power. There will be the interplay of the divine powers and humans in all the epics. In the Iliad and the Odyssey, the gods interfere in human life which determines the fate of humans.
- An Epic is large in scale or a large narrative poem. It was mostly written in verse form in the ancient times. Western epics are either in 12 books or in multiples of 12.
- The Iliad and the Odyssey– 24 books each.
- Virgil’s Aeneid– 12 books,
- Milton’s Paradise Lost– 12 Books.
- Spenser- Faerie Queene in 12 books.
3. An epic presents heroic qualities like courage, honour, sacrifice, patriotism, and kindness. It also gives a clear picture of the social and cultural patterns of contemporary life.
4. Epic uses decorated language by using similes, recurrent epithets, stock phrases, and an expressive style. Classical epics were originally recited and
5. An epic poet possesses a high degree of imaginative power. They also equally high degree of consciousness of technique.
6. Another characteristic of an epic is the Unity of action. Aristotle, the ancient Greek philosopher and scientist had prescribed three principles of dramatic construction-Unity of action, Unity of time, and Unity of place. Unity of action means that there should be one action and subplots should be minimal. Homer in the Iliad and in the Odyssey, centers his stories on a single action. When considering Ramayana and the Mahabharata, you will discover that they have the Unity of action, namely the defeat of the evil and the triumph of the good.
7. An Epic begins by stating the theme or subject of the story. The first lines of an epic poem indicate the subject the poem will treat. For example, Milton in the opening lines of his epic, Paradise Lost says his aim in writing the epic is to justify the ways of God to men’.
8. The statement of the theme is followed by an invocation (a request for help) to the Muse (someone who is the source of inspiration) by the poet for divine inspiration to narrate the story. Homer begins his two epic poems, The Iliad and the Odyssey, with an invocation to the Muse, seeking inspiration from a higher source.
9. Epics begin in the middle of the story. The Iliad and the Odyssey both begin in the middle, then move directly forward while the earlier events are presented as flashbacks.
10. The use and intervention of supernatural force. Epics present deeds of great human and superhuman courage, especially when humans encounter supernatural forces such as gods, angels, and demons who intervene in human affairs.
11. Catalogs and genealogies are given. These long lists of objects, places, and people place the finite action of the epic within a broader, universal context. Often, the poet is also paying homage to the ancestors of audience members.
An epic is a long narrative poem or story that typically centers around heroic figures and significant events. It often embodies the cultural and historical values of a particular society or civilization.