2. Characteristics of the Epic

3. A long narrative poem that tells about the adventures of a hero who reflects the ideals and values of a nation or race. The Epic

4. Features an Epic Hero A larger-than-life figure, usually male, who embodies the ideals of a nation or race.

5. Utilize Epic Similes (Homeric Similes) An elaborate, more involved version of a regular simile. Homer used them for emphasis, whether he’s describing a character’s thoughts and feelings or the magnitude of a battle between two armies.

6. Epics feature Epithets. Example: The grey-eyed goddess is used to describe the Athena and Breaker of horses is used to describe Hector An epithet is a brief, descriptive phrase that helps to characterize a particular person or thing.

7. Epics usually begin “in media res” Latin for in the middle of things.