Elements of an Epic in Homer's The Odyssey

Generally, epic poems are mythological histories, meaning they are a melting pot of famous figures from history and historical events. In the case of The Odyssey, the battle of Troy is the beginning of the epic with the famous Odysseus, warrior of Ithaca, as its hero.

Epics typically begin as oral traditions being passed down for generations before being written down. To this end, epic poems have an order and repetition of the events that made them easier to remember. Due to their length, epic poems, like other oral traditions such as long speeches, often took days to tell!

Six Elements of the Epic

You may be wondering, in what ways is The Odyssey an epic? Below, you will find several examples of epic poem elements in The Odyssey. The journey Odysseus goes on is truly what makes him memorable in ancient Greek society.

A Hero of Legendary Proportions

The hero of an epic poem is typically well known in his time, often reaching superstar status. In ancient legends, the hero often is either partially divine, or at least protected by the gods. The epic hero often gives many long, formal speeches throughout the poem.

The first cell of the example shows Odysseus’s notoriety and what makes him an epic hero. He came up with the idea of using the Trojan Horse to infiltrate Troy and seize the city during the Trojan War. For this, and acts like it, he was celebrated as a great leader and warrior.

Adventures of Superhuman Strength and Valor

The epic hero, who is usually the main character amongst other important characters, accomplishes feats no real human could, both physically and mentally.

Odysseus shows his strength many times. However, it is his defeat of the suitors that proves his superiority to normal men. After 20 years at sea, he returns home to find his estate overrun with men squandering his storerooms and trying to take his wife. Outnumbered ten to one, he kills them all, and restores his kingdom.

Multiple Settings

The actions of the hero span the continent, other realms, or even another world.

In Homer’s The Odyssey, much of the adventure happens in the Mediterranean Sea, on various islands. However, the hero also travels to the ancient Greek underworld in search of the prophet Tiresias.

Involvement of the Supernatural

Gods, demons, angels, time/space travel, cheating death, divine intervention, immortality, and other supernatural elements.

The gods of ancient Greece play a significant role in this epic. Athena is Odysseus' aide, Poseidon is his enemy, and Zeus...well he doesn't really want to get involved.

Epic Style of Writing

The style of epic poems is frequently ornate, drawn out, or exaggerated; it is a long narrative poem. The Odyssey is written in dactylic hexameter, which is a rhythmic scheme or metric format often used in Greek and Latin poetry. Epic poems usually begin with what’s known as, “medias res”, or the initial action that plunges the hero into their first adventure, also broadly referred to as the hero's journey.

Homer was not always subtle with his poetry. This is expected of an epic story. Some use of exaggerated style includes:

Epic similes and metaphors: You will find many epic simile examples in The Odyssey. Here is one example of an epic simile: “Her mind in torment, wheeling like some lion at bay, dreading the gangs of hunters closing their cunning ring around him for the finish.” Another example is when Homer repeatedly uses the term “rose red fingers” to mean the coming of dawn or a new day.

Epithets: That man skilled in all ways of contending.

Omniscient Narrator

The narrator sees and knows all.

Throughout The Odyssey, the narrator uses third person omniscient. He writes as though from a god’s point of view, witnessing and experiencing everything that takes place in the story.