Merriam-Webster defines epic, the adjective, first as “of, relating to, or having the characteristics of an epic” and secondly as, “extending beyond the usual or ordinary especially in size or scope” (2011). The second definition is useful but in order to find value in the first definition we have to look at Merriam-Webster’s definition of epic the noun. Merriam-Webster defines epic, the noun, as “a long narrative poem in elevated style recounting the deeds of a legendary or historical hero” (2011). I think a mix of all three definitions gives us a good point to start to answer the question, what does it mean to be epic?
The Epic of Gilgamesh gives us a good example of the academic or technical definition of epic. The Epic of Gilgamesh is a long narrative poem recounting the deed of a legendary or historical hero, Gilgamesh. The Epic of Gilgamesh describes Gilgamesh as, “Supreme over other kings, lordly in appearance, he is the hero, born of Uruk, the going wild bull. He walks out in front, the leader…trusted by his companions…protector of his people. Two-thirds of him is god, one-third of him is human” (http://www.ancienttexts.org/library/mesopotamian/gilgamesh/tab1.htm). Given this description of Gilgamesh I would think he has the characteristics of an epic hero. However, it seems he may have lost the heroic component of this title by abusing his power and authority. “The land of Uruk stood around him, the whole land assembled about him, the populace was thronging around him, the men were clustered about him, and kissed his feet…” (http://www.ancienttexts.org/library/mesopotamian/gilgamesh/tab1.htm) It seems the people of the time were happy to have someone, Enkindu, stand in the way of Gilgamesh as he was about to take what he established to be his right as king and lay with a newlywed bride before she lay with her husband. Never the less Gilgamesh had superior, heroic qualities, and the Epic of Gilgamesh recounted the events of his life.
I think the real interesting dialogue when discussing what does it mean to be epic is considering what it takes to describe an event or action as epic. To describe something as epic it has to be greater than extraordinary. Something rarely seen, or something at one time thought to be impossible. Certain storylines is sports have been described as epic. Some may agree with this and some may not. Can we quantify a degree of how much something is epic? I don’t think so. I think describing something as epic is subjective. It is a term that has to be taken in context and the source using the term has to be considered.
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/epic
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/epic
