An epic poem revolves around a hero figure, usually a person of national or legendary importance. The hero is typically not a real but an idealized person. He or she may have superhuman powers and knowledge. At the same time, the hero is vulnerable and shows weakness. The hero's flaws may contribute to their adversity. For example, pride and stubbornness may lead the hero into one dangerous situation after another.
The settings and events of epic poetry are appropriately large. A skilled poet may put the entire known universe at his or her disposal. Battles and descriptions often continue for thousands of lines. A common trait of epic poetry is the catalog, where the poet goes into extreme detail about a character's armor and weaponry. The epic simile is another example of this poetry's scope. An epic simile is a kind of metaphor that is extended and embellished far beyond an ordinary metaphor.
Supernatural beings are frequent visitors to epic poetry. The ancient Greek and Roman poets filled their work with gods, demi-gods, titans and elemental powers. Even a Christian epic like "Paradise Lost" tells the story of demons and angels fighting for the soul of humankind. Poets treat these supernatural creatures as if they were ordinary things in the world of the poem.
The language of epic poetry is grandiose, which is appropriate given the powerful themes and subject matter. Classic epic poems often began with an invocation of the Muse, or poetic spirit, to give the poet strength and skill to craft the story. The characters of epic poetry often produce long and eloquent speeches in a style that is far from realistic. Characters talk to each other in formal language, using titles and often referring to each other's ancestry.