Epic

Definition: Poems that was made for heroes

Example:

                              Beowulf

The chief of the strangers rendered him answer,

War-troopers’ leader, and word-treasure opened:

We are Geats.

“We are sprung from the lineage of the people of Geatland,

And Higelac’s hearth-friends. To heroes unnumbered

My father Ecgtheow was well-known in his day. 5

My father was known, a noble head-warrior

Ecgtheow titled; many a winter

He lived with the people, ere he passed on his journey,

Old from his dwelling; each of the counsellors

Widely mid world-folk well remembers him.

Our intentions towards King Hrothgar are of the kindest. 10

We, kindly of spirit, the lord of thy people,

The son of King Healfdene, have come here to visit,

[11]

Folk-troop’s defender: be free in thy counsels!

To the noble one bear we a weighty commission,

The helm of the Danemen; we shall hide, I ween,

Is it true that a monster is slaying Danish heroes? 15

Naught of our message. Thou know’st if it happen,

As we soothly heard say, that some savage despoiler,

Some hidden pursuer, on nights that are murky

By deeds very direful ’mid the Danemen exhibits

Hatred unheard of, horrid destruction

Significance: Help to tell long stories about heroic figures