Epic
A long narrative poem celebrating heroic deeds and events significant to a nation
Real World Example
In ancient Greek history, epics like "The Iliad" and "The Odyssey" were important because they celebrated heroic deeds and conveyed the values and beliefs of Greek society. These stories helped unite the Greeks by providing a shared cultural history and moral lessons, responding to the need for a common identity among diverse city-states. Epics addressed themes such as bravery, honor, and the struggles of humans against fate, which were crucial for understanding human experiences. Today, the concept of an epic still matters because it inspires people to aim for greatness and overcome challenges, much like the heroes of the past did. For example, someone training for a marathon may view their journey as an epic quest, drawing motivation from the idea of reaching a significant and difficult goal.