The Epic Definitions

1
The Epic -- Definitions
Epic a long narrative poem written in a
serious, dignified style and centered on a hero
who represents the traits admired by his race or
nation and who savesor endeavors to savehis
race or nation through acts of valor, usually
through warfare and combat in a wide setting with
supernatural aspects
2
Folk Epic an epic of unknown authorship, rising
out of the traditions of a people or folk and
lacking some or many of the secondary
characteristics of the art epic Beowulf, the
Iliad, the Odyssey, Song of Roland (often
depending on whether one believes in a folk or
single-authorship theory)
3
Art Epic an epic employing a number of
characteristics typical of a classical example
such as Virgils Aneid, including 1. Statement
of theme and purpose2. Invocation of a muse3.
Epic simile4. Catalogs warriors, ships,
armies5. Description of technical prowess6.  
Descent to underworld7. Dreams8.  Artificial
narrative structure (in medias res)9.  Long
formal speeches10. Debate
4
Mock Epic A narrative poem which uses various
characteristics of the serious epic for the
purposes of satire or humor Nuns Priests
Tale, Rape of the Lock   Romance Epic An epic
which employs some characteristics of the romance
or the chivalric adventure story Faerie Queene
5
Common Characteristics of Folk and Art Epics 1.
Hero of imposing stature great historical or
legendary significance 2. Setting vast, great
nations, world, universe 3. Action deeds of
great valor requiring superhuman courage 4.
Supernatural forces gods, angels, demons
intervene occasionally 5. Style sustained
elevation