According to Webster's Dictionary, an epic is "a narrative poem of some length telling of heroic deeds or events." While this is an accurate definition, there are also several other characteristics that tie them together as a literary format. Virtually all epics demonstrate an invocation of the gods, have a statement of the theme and begin in "medias res." This can be demonstrated in Homer's Iliad, Milton's Paradise Lost, and Dante's Inferno from The Divine Comedy.
             First of all, most epics begin with an invocation of the gods. The invocation of gods began with early Greek writers who would seek the aid of Calliope, the muse of epic poetry. In doing so, the writers believed the gods were leading them as they wrote their epics. In line 1 of The Iliad, Homer writes, "Rage---Goddess, sing the rage of Peleus' son Achilles. While the "gods" referred to often differ, the invocation is essential to the writers of this literary format.
             Next, most epics usually have a statement of the theme near the beginning. This is necessary so that the audience may be informed of what the work is about. John Milton demonstrates this epic convention in lines1-5 of book 1 in Paradise Lost. He writes, "Of man's first disobedience, and the fruit, Of that forbidden tree whose mortal taste, Brought death into the world, and all our woe..." Clearly, Milton is tell the reader that the story is about man's first sin in the garden of Eden.
             Finally, epics usually begin in "medias res" or "in the midst of things." Dante Alighieri exemplifies this epic convention in Inferno of The Divine Comedy. In lines 1-3 of Canto 1 Dante writes, "When I had journeyed half our life's way, I found myself within a shadowed forest, for I had lost the path that does not stray." In other words, Dante is beginning the tale at mid-life.
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