An epic can be defined as a long narrative poem with a serious topic centered around a heroic figure. Epic conventions are characteristics that are found in all epics. The Odyssey, written by the Greek writer Homer, contains all of the epic conventions. The conventions range from heroic exploits to divine interventions to historical information. Some of epic conventions most evidenced in The Odyssey include the opening by invoking the Muse, the beginning in medias res, the intervening supernatural forces, the trip to the Underworld, and the catalog listings included.
             The first epic convention to be noted in The Odyssey is the invocation. This means that the poet begins by first asking the Muse to guide and instruct him. Homer opens in the first line saying, "Sing in me, Muse, and through me tell the story of that man skilled in all ways of contending...". The invocation is a request for inspiration to tell the story of the great man Odysseus.
             Another convention evidenced in The Odyssey is its beginning in medias res or in the middle. An epic employing this convention begins in the middle of the action and utilizes flashbacks and/or foreshadowing to tell the story rather than telling it in chronological order. The Odyssey begins in the last months of Odysseus' ten year journey home. The reader does not learn of all that Odysseus has endured until later as he unfolds his story to the Phaiakian king, Alkinoos. Homer makes great use of flashbacks to divulge his tale to the listener or reader.
             A third epic convention found in The Odyssey is supernatural intervention. The goddess Athena's intervention is most apparent in this epic. Taking the form of mortals, she leads Odysseus through foreign and home lands in safety. When he entered the town of the Phaikians, she appeared as a small girl child to lead him to the king and queen's manor. She appeared to
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