New York State Teacher Certification Examinations (NYSTCE) Early Childhood Practice Test

An epic is a lengthy narrative poem that typically revolves around a heroic figure and includes significant events, adventures, and themes that often incorporate mythical or supernatural elements. These poems are traditionally structured with elevated language and elaborate storytelling techniques, capturing the grandeur of the hero's journey and the cultural values of the society from which they originate.

The focus on a singular hero often allows for exploration of themes like bravery, sacrifice, and the struggle between good and evil, making epics foundational in literature and influencing subsequent storytelling across cultures. Examples of famous epics include Homer's "The Iliad" and "The Odyssey," as well as Virgil's "The Aeneid," all of which showcase these characteristics effectively. This definition aligns perfectly with the question, highlighting the epic's narrative style and thematic focus.