In what way is The Odyssey an epic?

A. It features characters who make mistakes.

B. It involves a long journey over land or sea.

C. Its plot centers around a hero and his lost lover.

D. It involves many supernatural events that can't be explained.

There are many definitions of what an epic poem is. However, all poets and academics agree that the Odyssey is one of the classic examples of epic poetry.

To be classed as an epic, a poem must be long. But how long?

often book length, but there's no set length for which a poem goes from non-epic to epic.

Does an epic need form?

No, but they are often in verse form. As long as they are a narrative. Think of epic poems as a way to pass on historical events, in an entertaining, oral, fashion.

Both the Illiad and the Odyssey are in dactylic hexameter, but this is not a requirement of epics. However, it is the usual form of Greek and Latin epic poetry.

Elements often included in epics:

superhuman deeds, heroic adventures. Illustrative language - remember the first audience for epics were listeners, rather than readers.

How have epics changed?

Lord Byron and Alexander Pope both wrote epics, but utilised them for comic effect. Twentieth century poets rekindled interest in the long form, but the work of (e. g.) Charles Olsen and Frank Standford is usually described as a 're-envisioning' of the epic style.