The word “epic” originates from the Greek word “epos,” which means “word, story, or poem.” In ancient Greek literature, an “epic” referred to a long narrative poem that celebrated heroic deeds and legendary events. This genre was characterized by its grand scale and formal style.
The most famous examples of ancient epics are Homer’s “Iliad” and “Odyssey,” which tell the stories of the Trojan War and the adventures of Odysseus, respectively. These works had a profound influence on the development of Western literature and established many of the conventions of the epic genre, including a focus on heroic characters, divine intervention, and high stakes.
Over time, the term “epic” has evolved to refer more broadly to any large-scale, grand, or ambitious undertaking or narrative, whether in literature, film, or other forms of storytelling. This evolution reflects the enduring influence of those early Greek epics, which set the standard for what constitutes a grand and momentous story.
