Epic (ingl. k eepos)
1. Opens by stating the theme of the epic.
2. Writer invokes a Muse, one of the nine daughters of Zeus. The poet prays to the muses to
provide him with divine inspiration to tell the story of a great hero.
3. Narrative opens in media res. This means "in the middle of things," usually with the hero at his
lowest point. Earlier portions of the story appear later as flashbacks.
4. Catalogs and geneaologies are given. These long lists of objects, places, and people place the
finite action of the epic within a broader, universal context. Oftentimes, the poet is also paying homage to the
ancestors of audience members.
5. Main characters give extended formal speeches.
6. Use of the epic simile. A standard simile is a comparison using "like" or "as." An epic or
Homeric simile is a more involved, ornate comparison, extended in great detail.
7
annaabi.ee 
