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An epic is a long story centered on a heroic character who lives through a series of exceptional events. The story form is similar to and suggestive of epic poetry. There are numerous epics in fiction and storytelling. Epics are majestic depictions and capture impressive struggles, such as stories of war, adventures, and other efforts of great scope and size over long periods of time.^[1] The real life stories of heroic figures are also referred to as being epic. Examples of notable epics include Ernest Shackleton's exploration adventures in Antarctica, the Star Wars movies, and the life story of Big Brown, a race horse.^[2]

[edit] Characteristics of an Epic, also known as "Epic Conventions"

These are the characteristics of an Epic Story:
1. It begins "in medias res" (middle thinking, or the middle of the story)
2. Invocation of the muse
3. Statement of epic purpose
4. Descriptions of warefare/battles
5. Use of the supernatural
6. Formal speech
7. Epic catalogues (lists) and descriptions
8. Epic simile
9. Story presented in dignified, majestic language
10. More ornate
11. Consciously imitates Homer's epic writing^{[citation needed]}

[edit] Film epics

In the history of cinema, many epic films have been produced and recognized for their scale and drama. The Lord of the Rings film trilogy (based on the novel by J. R. R. Tolkien) is considered in the running as one of the greatest film epics.^[3]

[edit] References

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