What makes a poem epic? By mere definition, something epic is stated to be significant/impactful ancient history, passed down for generations. Such poems that completely fulfill this conception are, “The Epic of Gilgamesh,” by N. K Sandars and “Homer, The Odyssey” by Robert Fitzgerald. Both can be found primarily written in the form of ancient characters and even inscribed on old tablets! Both extensive, drawn out poems of godlike heroes people can easily look up to with extremely high regard. Such long drawn out poems are rare, for most poems we come across in our lives are very brief. A prolonged poem that can actually tell a grand story as good as a novel can, and is legendary in time can only be described as an epic poem.

In addition, awesome themes can be pointed out that give poems that much …show more content…
Something that can stand the test of time, bringing up topics that are still obsessed over today is an amazing feat for a poem. The main topic and issue in “Gilgamesh,” was the concept of immortality, and the reasons why one would attempt to achieve it. Gilgamesh longed for immortality once he lost his first and only good friend. Before this tragedy, he hadn’t ever given it much thought and took life for granted given his immense power. Today, people still religiously and scientifically endeavor to find a way to prolonged/everlasting life. This holds true whether it be to ensure the human races eternal existence, prolonging life and cheating death, or ensuring an eternal afterlife will occur for oneself. These explorations have only become popular because of the mere fact of the pain of loss and uncertainty that the unknown brings about. A poem that touches on even a godlike gladiator that people can relate to in terms of overcoming the worries of death is truly epic. The poem, “Odyssey,”