The Best Epic Poems of All Time

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What are the best epic poems of all time? This list includes classic epic poems such as The Odyssey, The Iliad, Paradise Lost, and Aeneid. An epic poem is a lengthy, narrative poem containing details of heroic deeds and events significant to a culture or nation. Homer is probably the most famous epic poet, and many of his epic poems are on this list of the greatest epic poems in history.

Written works have the ability to make us feel. They make us want to believe, be inspired, and live vicariously through the stories on the page. Whether short or long form, poetry is often illusory, and full of rich imagery or hidden meaning. It is these elements which provoke readers to dig deeper. The best poems and poets are read throughout the ages. They are passed from generation to generation and taught throughout school to young students.

Poets and their poetry have the ability to take readers places and into worlds never imagined. Poets can often be tortured souls or great thinkers that allow readers a new view on the world. These greatest epic poems provide the kind of emotional connection to the written word and history that few can. These epic poems all vary in their setting and time period, but they are all equally fascinating.

Vote up the absolute best epic poems of all time below, or add a great epic poem that isn't already on the list.

Most divisive: Theogony
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