The epic world of epic poetry

Marble statue over a paper background (Alana Moscoso-Mendoza / The Puma Prensa)

By Alana Moscoso-Mendoza, Opinion Editor

Epic poetry, as the name suggests, is a major subgenre of poetry that was born in oral recitations of epic poetry. While the mere mention of poetry can set off alarms for many people, epic poetry is so much more than your regular run-of-the-mill poems. Following long, legendary narratives of heroes vanquishing beasts, gods liberating their homelands, or a simple human  navigating the layers of hell, epic poems are stories of awe and wonder. 

What makes an epic an epic can vary, but there are key elements of epics that stay consistent throughout these stories with little variation. The most prominent indicator of this genre of poetry would be its protagonist: a hero, oftentimes divine, performing legendary feats for either themselves or their home. Their unwavering bravery is a key component in what makes them, and their acts, so legendary. 

But a hero would be nothing without the individuals that support them, and epics often provide a muse or guide for the protagonist, their main purpose being to provide guidance and advice to said protagonist. The journey itself that the hero takes is typically vast, spanning the entire world or various realms at times.

One final indicator of an epic poem is the quest of the hero. If it involves trials and tribulations that constantly challenge the hero—oftentimes of supernatural nature—then you’re likely reading an epic poem. 

While many epics are written, they are largely formulated for an oral medium: an audience. Some of the most famous epics, Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey, were initially oral epics, and were later granted written records. Many of these oral epics were rooted in thousands of years of tradition, where they’d be orally recited across the lands by various bards and storytellers and picked up by all who would listen. Epics were often written down in order to preserve these tales, and to provide a stable story, free of variations.

Moreover, many epics are pieces from long, long ago; The Epic of Gilgamesh, a piece originating from ancient Mesopotamia, is often regarded as the earliest existing piece of written literature. While it originated in oral tradition, as most epics do, its most complete written version is said to have been completed around 2000 BCE. Some of the earliest epics also came from ancient India. 

The most popular and widely taught epic works originate from ancient Greece. As mentioned before, Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey were foundational to epic poetry as a whole; every key element of epic poetry, such as valiant heroes and their guides, came from these two works. Essentially, they set the standard for epic poetry and became cornerstones of Western literature.

While epic poetry is often associated with these popular Greek texts, the genre extends far beyond it. Many cultures around the entire world developed their own epic traditions, such as the Mahabharata by Vyasa and the Ramayana by Valmiki, both from ancient India. And in Northern Europe, epics such as the popular Beowulf traversed the region. All of these ancient tales largely rely upon Homer’s storytelling, showcasing how his influence on the epic poetry genre spread far and wide, and for thousands of years to come. 

Even today, many movies, video games, books, and many modern stories follow the traditional storyline of epic poetry. Despite the genre being tied to cultures from thousands of years ago, the idea of a legendary hero vanquishing mythical beasts is still relevant today and a beloved concept that is widely used– movies like the Star Wars saga, TV shows such as Game of Thrones, and even video games like Elden Ring all contain the same kind of elements that epic poetry does. 

While relatively unpopular, epic poetry is still relevant and thriving in the background of modern literature. The genre is still, at the very least, worth taking a look at. The Iliad and Odyssey can absolutely serve as a way to break into the epic poetry genre. Although longer, The Divine Comedy by Dante is another popular trilogy that is worth a read. Beowulf follows a precise classic epic poetry storyline, and is great for those unfamiliar with the genre.

Epic poetry has existed for thousands of years and is a direct look into the history of literature; it has existed around the world, and it is arguably one of the most quintessential genres of literature. Although traditional written epics are much less common today, their core themes and values have stayed present in modern media and are oftentimes the backbone of modern storytelling. Epic poetry, while deeply rooted in tradition, is still alive and thriving, adapting itself into stories worldwide.