Epic: origin, definition, types & examples

 Epic: in this article you will understand what is a Epic poetry, it's origin, definition, types & examples. This is especially created for B.A. English honours semester l students of BBMKU & VBU. You can read other similar article on our website.

Table of Contents 
1. Epic Origin
2. Epic Definition
3. Types of Epic
4. Epic Examples

Epic Poetry Origin:

Etymologically, the term epic comes from the Greek word 'epos' which means "long narrative". An epic is a long narrative usually written in twelve books. It tells a story about extraordinary men and women and of their heroic deeds. 

Epic Poetry Definition:

An epic poetry is one of the most popular form of subjective Poetry. It is one of the oldest form of poetry. An epic poem is a long narrative usually written in twelve books. An epic poem is written on some extraordinary men and women and on their heroic deeds. The epic of Gilgamesh is considered by scholars to be the oldest surviving example of epic poetry. Epics are grand, long composition about the heroic deeds of men of women. They include stories of gods as well. Telling a great and heroic story is an epic poem. Primary epics were originated before the invention of writing. Primary epics were composed by bards who used complex rhetorical and metrical schemes. An epic poem is written in formal style and contains third person narration. It includes supernatural elements.

Types of Epic Poetry:

There are mainly three types of epic poetry; Folk epic, mock epic and literary epic. Each types are discussed below: 

(1) Folk epic: In ancient time, stories about heroes were recited or sung for entertainment and passed down orally from one generation to the next. These poems were eventually unified into folk epic. It may be composed by common people. Ex- Beowulf.

(2) Mock epic: It is also known as mock heroic which is a form of satire. Mock epic provides minor occasions as it they were the stuff of tales. 

(3) Literary epic: Literary epic is also known as art epic. The literary epic tends to be more polished, coherent, compact in structure and style when contrasted with folk epic. Literary epic is a result of the genius of poet. Ex- Milton's Paradise Lost.

Epic poetry Examples and Poets:

There are many examples of epic poetry. Some of the famous examples are given below: 

(1) The Mahabharata: The Mahabharata by Maharshi Vedvyas is considered one of the most famous epic poetry in India. The main theme of this epic is war between good and evil or the war between Pandavas and Kauravas. 

(2) The Ramayana: The Ramayana by Maharshi Balmiki is also a popular epic poetry. This epic poem is based on the heroic deeds of god Rama. He was an extraordinary man. The Ramayana is written on the sacrifices of god Rama and as well of Sita.

(3) The Epic of Gilgamesh: It is considered or accepted by scholars as the oldest survival epic poem. 

(4) Iliad: The Iliad by Homer is considered one of the most famous epic poem in western literature. It is considered to be written in 8th century B.C. In this epic poem Achilles is the extraordinary character. The main theme of this poem is Achilles wrath. 

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