Harmon and Holman delineate ten main characteristics of an epic:
- Begins in medias res ("in the thick of things").
- The setting is vast, covering many nations, the world or the universe.
- Begins with an invocation to a muse (epic invocation).
- Begins with a statement of the theme.
- Includes the use of epithets.
- Contains long lists, called an epic catalogue.
- Features long and formal speeches.
- Shows divine intervention in human affairs.
- Features heroes that embody the values of the civilization.
- Often features the tragic hero's descent into the underworld or hell.
