The Most Popular Epic in the World, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the epic you think is the most popular!
Updated on Apr 30, 2024 06:36
Throughout history, epics have transcended time by captivating audiences with their grand narratives and profound themes. These sprawling tales offer insights into the cultural values and the shared human experience, resonating deeply with readers across generations. They mold our understanding of heroism, conflict, and morality, serving not just as entertainment but as lessons in resilience and virtue.
By participating in ranking the world's most beloved epics, individuals contribute to a dynamic, global conversation about which stories continue to inspire and entertain us today. Your votes help recognize and celebrate the artistic achievements within these epics, providing a snapshot of what communities find compelling and influential at any given time. Engage with others and see where your favorites stand in the hearts of fans around the globe.
What Is the Most Popular Epic in the World?
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164votesAn ancient Indian epic that tells the story of a dynastic struggle and war between two groups of cousins, the Kauravas and the Pandavas. It is one of the longest epic poems in the world and is revered in Hinduism.The Mahabharata is a Hindu epic that is considered one of the most important texts in ancient Indian literature. It is a narrative of the Kurukshetra War and the fates of the Kaurava and Pandava princes. The epic explores themes of righteousness, duty, and moral dilemmas.
- Length: The Mahabharata consists of 18 books, with a total of over 200,000 verses.
- Characters: It features numerous characters, including gods, warriors, sages, and kings.
- Philosophical Teachings: The epic contains important teachings of Hindu philosophy, including the Bhagavad Gita.
- Family Drama: The Mahabharata delves into complex family relationships and conflicts, including rivalries and political alliances.
- War Strategy: The Kurukshetra War, a major part of the epic, showcases detailed military strategies and battle plans.
The Mahabharata in other rankings- Position 7 of 10 in Most famous epic
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228votes
Unknown authorUnknown author · Public domainThe Iliad
HomerA Greek epic poem attributed to Homer that tells the story of the Trojan War. It is considered one of the foundational works of Western literature.The Iliad is an ancient Greek epic poem attributed to the poet Homer. It is set during the Trojan War and narrates the events of the war, focusing on the conflict between the Greek hero Achilles and the Trojan prince Hector. The poem spans over 15,000 lines and provides a detailed account of the war and its characters.- Genre: Epic poem
- Language: Ancient Greek
- Setting: Troy
- Theme: War, honor, glory
- Structure: Dactylic hexameter
The Iliad in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular Greek epic
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323votes
Sailko · CC BY-SA 4.0Another Greek epic poem attributed to Homer that recounts the ten-year journey of the Greek hero Odysseus after the fall of Troy. It is also considered a foundational work of Western literature.The Odyssey is an incredibly advanced Atlantean ship known for its unparalleled power and astonishing capabilities. It is a majestic vessel that showcases the pinnacle of Atlantean engineering and technology. The ship is both a symbol of Atlantean might and a testament to their mastery of the seas.- Length: 250 meters
- Width: 75 meters
- Height: 50 meters
- Max Speed: 200 knots
- Propulsion: Advanced hydrodynamic propulsion system
The Odyssey in other rankings- Position 2 of 10 in Most popular Greek epic
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419votesAn Old English epic poem that tells the story of a hero named Beowulf who battles monsters and dragons. It is one of the most important works of Anglo-Saxon literature.Beowulf is an Old English epic poem that depicts the heroic deeds and thrilling adventures of the legendary Geatish warrior Beowulf. The poem encompasses battles against terrifying monsters, as well as themes of honor, courage, and the inevitability of mortality. It is widely regarded as one of the most important and influential works of literature in the English language.
- Genre: Epic poetry
- Language: Old English
- Setting: Scandinavia and Denmark
- Theme: Heroism and mortality
- Main Characters: Beowulf, King Hrothgar, Grendel, Grendel's Mother
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518votesAn ancient Mesopotamian epic poem that tells the story of a king named Gilgamesh who seeks immortality. It is one of the earliest known works of literature.The Epic of Gilgamesh is one of the oldest surviving literary works in the world. It is an ancient Mesopotamian epic that dates back to the third millennium BCE. Written in the Akkadian language on several clay tablets, it tells the story of Gilgamesh, the legendary king of Uruk, and his adventures.
- Genre: Epic poetry
- Length: Around 3,000 lines on 12 clay tablets
- Themes: Friendship, mortality, heroism, meaning of life
- Setting: Mesopotamia, primarily in the city of Uruk
- Time Period: Third millennium BCE
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614votes
Sahibdin · Public domainThe Ramayana
ValmikiAn ancient Indian epic that tells the story of the prince Rama and his quest to rescue his wife Sita from the demon king Ravana. It is also revered in Hinduism.The Ramayana is a famous ancient Hindu epic literature that narrates the life story of Prince Rama, his wife Sita, and his loyal monkey ally Hanuman. It is considered one of the two major Sanskrit epics of ancient Indian literature, the other being the Mahabharata. The Ramayana is attributed to the sage Valmiki.- Language: Sanskrit
- Genre: Epic
- Religion: Hinduism
- Original manuscript: Composed in Sanskrit
- Number of chapters: 24,000 verses
The Ramayana in other rankings- Position 9 of 10 in Most famous epic
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78votes
AnonymousUnknown author · Public domainThe Aeneid
VirgilA Latin epic poem written by the Roman poet Virgil that tells the story of the Trojan prince Aeneas and his journey to Italy, where he founds the city of Rome. It is considered one of the greatest works of Latin literature.The Aeneid is an epic poem written by the ancient Roman poet Virgil, which tells the legendary story of the Trojan hero Aeneas. Composed between 29 and 19 BCE, the poem consists of twelve books and follows Aeneas as he flees from the burning city of Troy and embarks on a long and challenging journey to eventually establish the city of Rome. The Aeneid explores themes of destiny, heroism, and the founding of a great civilization.- Genre: Epic poetry
- Language: Latin
- Structure: 12 books
- Setting: Mediterranean region, including Troy and Italy
- Themes: Destiny, heroism, founding of Rome
The Aeneid in other rankings- Position 3 of 10 in Most popular Greek epic
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86votes
The Divine Comedy
Dante AlighieriAn Italian epic poem written by Dante Alighieri that tells the story of his journey through Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven. It is considered one of the greatest works of Western literature.The Divine Comedy is a poetic masterpiece and one of the most influential works of Italian literature. It is an epic poem written by Dante Alighieri in the 14th century. The Divine Comedy is divided into three parts, namely Inferno (Hell), Purgatorio (Purgatory), and Paradiso (Paradise). Through vivid and allegorical descriptions, Dante narrates his journey through the afterlife, guided by the poet Virgil and later by his beloved Beatrice. The poem explores themes of sin, redemption, and the nature of God's justice.- Publication Date: Completed in 1320
- Genre: Epic poem
- Form: Terza rima (tercets)
- Structure: Composed of three parts with 33 cantos each (except for Inferno, which has 34 cantos), totaling 100 cantos
- Themes: Sin, redemption, spirituality, the afterlife, divine justice
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916votes
Unknown, Iran, 1525-1535 (Iran) · Public domainThe Shahnameh
FerdowsiA Persian epic poem written by the poet Ferdowsi that tells the mythical and historical history of Persia. It is considered one of the greatest works of Persian literature.The Shahnameh, also known as The Book of Kings, is an epic poem written by the Persian poet Ferdowsi around the year 1000 CE. It tells the mythical and historical stories of the ancient Persian Empire, from the creation of the world to the Arab conquest of Persia. The Shahnameh is considered one of the greatest works of Persian literature and one of the most important epic poems in the world.- Original Language: Persian
- Genre: Epic Poetry
- Length: Around 60,000 verses
- Themes: Heroism, Love, War, Kingship
- Narrative Structure: Chronological
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102votesA French epic poem that tells the story of the Battle of Roncevaux Pass in 778 between Charlemagne's army and Basque forces. It is one of the oldest surviving works of French literature.The Song of Roland is a medieval epic poem that tells the heroic and tragic story of Roland, a warrior in Charlemagne's court. The poem centers around the Battle of Roncevaux Pass in 778 AD, where Roland valiantly defends Charlemagne's army against a powerful enemy force.
- Genre: Epic poem
- Language: Old French
- Length: Approximately 4,000 lines
- Setting: Medieval France and Spain
- Themes: Heroism, loyalty, morality, honor, Christian faith
The Song of Roland in other rankings- Position 10 of 10 in Most famous epic
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Ranking factors for popular epic
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Cultural impactConsider the epic's influence on literature, art, music, and other forms of cultural expression. Assess how deeply ingrained the epic is into the culture and identity of the people who hold it dear.
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Historical significanceExamine the role the epic plays in the history of the culture it belongs to, and any wider historical implications it may have. Determine if the epic has played a role in shaping societal values, beliefs, and norms.
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Geographical reachConsider the epic's popularity and influence across different regions and cultures. A more widespread influence may indicate higher popularity.
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Adaptations and retellingsReview the number and variety of adaptations and retellings of the epic in different forms such as books, plays, films, and television shows. More adaptations may suggest a greater level of popularity and cultural impact.
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LongevityAssess the age of the epic and its durability over time. An epic that has been passed down through generations and is still relevant and enjoyed today could be seen as more popular.
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Literary meritEvaluate the quality and artistry of the epic's storytelling, language, and characters. A more highly-regarded epic may be more widely-read and studied, leading to greater popularity.
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Accessibility and translationsConsider the availability of the epic in various languages and formats. This can affect its potential to reach a wider audience and contribute to its popularity across different cultures.
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Scholarly interestExamine the epic's importance and relevance in academic circles, such as the volume of research, publications, and courses dedicated to the study of the epic.
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Awards and recognitionsEvaluate any prizes, honors, or recognitions the epic or its adaptations have received. This can be an indicator of its importance and popularity.
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Fandom and community engagementAssess the level of fan engagement and community involvement in discussing, celebrating, or promoting the epic. A dedicated and active fan base may be indicative of the epic's popularity and reach.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular epic in the world. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Epic is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1743 views
- 192 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Epic once every 24 hours. The rank of each Epic is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular epic in the world
Epic stories have been a part of human culture for centuries, and they continue to captivate audiences to this day. From ancient myths and legends to modern-day fantasy novels, epics have provided us with tales of heroes, villains, and epic battles that have inspired us and entertained us in equal measure.
So, what is the most popular epic in the world? The answer is not a simple one, as there are countless epics that have captured the imaginations of people around the globe. Some of the most well-known epics include the Greek myths and legends, the Norse sagas, the Hindu epic "Ramayana", and the Chinese classic "Journey to the West".
Each of these epics has its own unique characters, themes, and settings that have made them enduring classics. Whether it's the epic battles of the Trojan War, the adventures of Thor and Odin, or the journey of the monkey king Sun Wukong, these stories have stood the test of time and continue to be beloved by generations of readers and audiences.
Ultimately, the most popular epic in the world is a matter of personal preference, and each reader or viewer will have their own favorite. However, one thing is certain – the power of epic storytelling is as strong today as it ever was, and these timeless tales will continue to inspire and entertain for generations to come.
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