Epopei

Epopei is a term used in several languages to denote epic poetry, the long narrative verse tradition that recounts heroic deeds and foundational events of a culture. The concept centers on works that often span extensive time and geography, shaping collective memory through grand scale and elevated language.

Etymology and usage: the word derives from the Greek epopoiía, meaning the composition of an epic, formed from epos (story, poem) and the verb poiéō (to make). In Romance languages the corresponding terms include epopea in Italian, epopeya or epopéa in Spanish, and epopeia in Portuguese. In some languages, epopei appears as a plural or inflected form of the noun, reflecting grammatical differences rather than a separate concept. Across languages, the underlying idea remains the same: a monumental narrative poem about action, destiny, and culture.

Form and features: epics typically begin with an invocation to the muse, proceed in media res, and frame events through a heroic protagonist who encounters gods or supernatural forces. They employ elevated diction, extended similes, catalogues, and repeated formulae, balancing personal exploits with questions of fate, honor, and communal memory. The genre often aims to unify a people’s values and history through enduring verse.

History and examples: epic poetry has roots in ancient Greece and Rome, with works traditionally viewed as foundational, such as Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey and Virgil’s Aeneid. Later medieval and modern epics—Dante’s Divine Comedy, Ludovico Ariosto’s Orlando Furioso, and many national vernacular epics—continue to shape notions of the form. Epics remain a reference point for discussions of epic poetics and national literary traditions.

See also: epic poetry, epos, epic tradition.