What is an Epic?
An epic is a long narrative poem that typically tells the story of heroic deeds and adventures. Epics usually involve a protagonist who is a legendary or mythological figure and who undertakes a quest or journey of great significance. The style and structure of epics vary across cultures and time periods, but they often include themes such as bravery, honor, love, and the struggle between good and evil.
Epics can be found in many different cultures, including ancient Greek, Roman, Indian, and Norse cultures. Some of the most famous examples of epic poetry include Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey, the Mahabharata and Ramayana of India, and the epic poems of Beowulf and Gilgamesh. In addition to poetry, the term “epic” is sometimes used to describe other types of works, such as films, novels, and video games, that share similar themes and storytelling techniques.
What is Itihasa?
In Indian tradition, Itihasa refers to the genre of historical narrative. The two great epics of India, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, are traditionally considered Itihasa, which means “thus indeed it happened” or “so it was”.
