
National epic
A national epic is a lengthy, culturally significant poem or story that celebrates the history, values, and identity of a nation or people. It often features legendary heroes, important historical events, and moral lessons, serving to unify and inspire a collective sense of pride. Examples include Homer’s "Iliad" and "Odyssey" for Greece, or the Indian "Mahabharata." These epics are foundational texts that reflect a nation’s traditions and ideals, playing a key role in shaping cultural heritage and national consciousness through storytelling.