The definition of the word epic has changed greatly over time. The dictionary says epic means 1; An extended narrative poem in elevated or dignified language celebrating the feats of a legendary or traditional hero or 2; A literary or dramatic composition that resembles an extended narrative poem celebrating heroic feats. Common usage however has changed it to basically mean "awesome" or "cool." However the original meaning is much more powerful to use for describing pieces of work, such as the Epic of Gilgamesh or the Venerable Bede. Enkidu, in the Epic of Gilgamesh, himself could be described as being epic:
"How the youth resembles Gilgamesh--
tall in stature, towering up to the battlements over the wall!
Surely he was born in the mountains;
his strength is as mighty as the meteorite(!) of Anu!"
They placed food in front of him,
they placed beer in front of him;
Enkidu knew nothing about eating bread for food,
and of drinking beer he had not been taught.
The harlot spoke to Enkidu, saying:
"Eat the food, Enkidu, it is the way one lives.
Drink the beer, as is the custom of the land."
Enkidu ate the food until he was sated,
he drank the beer-seven jugs!-- and became expansive and sang with joy!
He was elated and his face glowed.
He splashed his shaggy body with water,
and rubbed himself with oil, and turned into a human.
This quotation points out how Enkidu is so much more than just a mere human. His strength is as might as a meteorite, and he is tall in stature. This is what it means to be epic, not just because he is “awesome” or “cool” but because he is a hero that has power beyond comprehension. This is what I think best encapsulates the word epic.
