Back Epos Afrikaans Epos ALS ملحمة Arabic ملحمه ARZ Epopeya AST Epos Azerbaijani حیماسه AZB Эпос Bashkir Wiracarita BAN Epos BAR
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An epic poem, or simply an epic, is a lengthy narrative poem typically about the extraordinary deeds of extraordinary characters who, in dealings with gods or other superhuman forces, gave shape to the mortal universe for their descendants.[1]
With regard to oral tradition, epics consist of formal speech and are learnt word for word, and are contrasted with narratives which consist of everyday speech where the performer has the licence to recontextualise the story to a particular audience, often to a younger generation.[2]
- ^ Michael Meyer (2005). The Bedford Introduction to Literature. Bedford: St. Martin's Press. pp. 21–28. ISBN 0-312-41242-8.
- ^ Vansina, Jan (1985). Oral tradition as history. p. 13.