Narrative poems {epic poem} {heroic epic} can be about heroes in golden or mythical age, in serious and formal style and with allusions and figurative language. Epic poems begin with appeal to the Muses {invocation, poem}. Then the poet asks the Muses the epic question. Then narrative begins, often in media res, when the hero is at low point. Action continues from that point, with occasional flashbacks. Gods or magic can intervene {machinery, poem}.
style
Epic poems typically repeat stock epithets and line formulas.
types
Epic poems can feature trips to land of the dead. Epic poems can be for recitation before royalty {primary epic} {folk epic}. Epic poems can be for reading {secondary epic} {literary epic}.
In narrative poems, poet asks the Muses what began the action {epic question}|.
In narrative poems, narrative begins, often in story middle {in media res}, when hero is at low point.
Epic poems can be long comparisons {epic simile} {Homeric simile}.
Short epic poems {idyll}| {epyllion} can be pastoral in tone.
Short medieval tales or songs {lay} {lai} were about love and adventure.
Poems {narrative poem} can tell story.
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Date Modified: 2022.0225