Epic Poetry and its Characteristics

Today in World Literature we discussed the aspects of epic poetry and its characteristics. The conversation included the epic hero who is also known as a protagonist. This is a character that leads a tribe or nation during a journey, like Odysseus in the Odyssey. Epic poems are written in colorful language that show a sign of importance. Many poems were also in oral literary forms before they became epic poems. Homer wrote poems to reflect the culture, for example, Odysseus’ journey was post war. Odysseus has the characteristics of a calm and cunning leader.