World Literature
Epic Literature | Credit phb Here's a list of some of the most important older epics in world literature, organized by significance: The Epic of Gilgamesh: An ancient Mesopotamian poem exploring themes of mortality, friendship, and the search for meaning. The Iliad and The Odyssey: Attributed to Homer, these Greek epics narrate the Trojan War and the adventurous journey of Odysseus, respectively. They delve into heroism, fate, and the relationship between mortals and gods. The Aeneid: Written by Virgil, this Roman epic follows Aeneas' journey to establish Rome, merging mythology with historical elements and emphasizing the glory of Rome's origins. The Mahabharata: An Indian epic featuring the Kurukshetra War and spiritual teachings. It includes the Bhagavad Gita, a profound philosophical discourse. The Ramayana: Another major Indian epic, it narrates the heroic exploits of Prince Rama as he rescues his wife Sita from the demon king Ravana. Themes include duty, honor, and devotion. Beowulf: An Old English epic poem that centers on the hero Beowulf's battles against monsters and dragons. It explores concepts of heroism, loyalty, and fate. The Shahnameh: An epic poem by Ferdowsi, it chronicles the history of Persia (Iran) from creation to the Islamic conquests. It emphasizes Persian identity and culture. The Divine Comedy: Written by Dante Alighieri, this Italian epic follows Dante's journey through the afterlife, depicting Hell, Purgatory, and Paradise. It explores themes of sin, redemption, and…