The Most Popular Greek Epic, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the epic you think is the most popular!
Updated on May 1, 2024 06:39
In the tapestry of literary history, ancient epics hold a revered space, echoing the grandeur and complexities of bygone eras. These narratives not only encapsulate heroism and adventure but also serve as cultural cornerstones that continue to shape our understanding of past civilizations. By ranking these stories, we glean which tales resonate most profoundly with contemporary audiences, providing insights into the enduring themes that captivate our collective imagination.
This dynamic ranking invites you to participate by casting your vote for the epics that have moved you, challenged you, or simply entertained you the most. Your votes contribute to a living snapshot of public appreciation, offering a unique perspective on what makes these ancient texts still relevant and magnetic today. Join others in this engaging exploration of literary greatness and help determine which epic deserves the crown of popular favor.
What Is the Most Popular Greek Epic?
-
149votes
Unknown authorUnknown author · Public domainThe Iliad
HomerThe Iliad - by Homer, this epic poem tells the story of the Trojan War and 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 2 of 10 in Most popular epic in the world
-
225votes
Sailko · CC BY-SA 4.0The Odyssey is also by Homer, this epic follows the journey of the hero Odysseus as he tries to return home after the Trojan War. It is a classic tale of adventure and cunning.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 3 of 10 in Most popular epic in the world
-
316votes
AnonymousUnknown author · Public domainThe Aeneid
VirgilThe Aeneid - written by the Roman poet Virgil, this epic tells the story of the Trojan prince Aeneas and his journey to found 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 7 of 10 in Most popular epic in the world
-
413votes
Sailko · CC BY 3.0The Theogony
HesiodThe Theogony - by the poet Hesiod, this epic describes the origins of the Greek gods and their genealogy. It is an important source for Greek mythology.The Theogony is a Greek epic poem that describes the creation of the gods and the genealogy of the Greek pantheon. It is considered one of the most important surviving works of ancient Greek literature.- Genre: Epic poetry
- Subject: Creation of the gods and genealogy of the Greek pantheon
- Structure: Narrative poem
- Length: Approximately 1,000 lines
- Style: Hexameter verse
-
511votes
The Works and Days
HesiodThe Works and Days is also by Hesiod, this epic is a didactic poem that offers advice on farming, morality, and daily life. It is an important source for ancient Greek culture.The Works and Days is an ancient Greek epic poem attributed to the poet Hesiod. It serves as a guide for proper farming practices and moral conduct, providing advice and insights for a successful and virtuous life. The poem is written in dactylic hexameter and is believed to have been composed around the 8th century BCE.- Genre: Epic poem
- Theme: Agriculture and moral guidance
- Form: Dactylic hexameter
- Date of composition: 8th century BCE
- Length: Approximately 800 lines
-
614votes
Georg Pencz · Public domainThe Argonautica
Apollonius of RhodesThe Argonautica - by the poet Apollonius of Rhodes, this epic tells the story of Jason and the Argonauts as they search for the Golden Fleece. It is an important work of Hellenistic literature.The Argonautica is a Greek epic poem that narrates the mythical journey of Jason and the Argonauts to retrieve the golden fleece. It is considered one of the most significant works of Hellenistic literature.- Genre: Epic
- Time Period: Hellenistic
- Original Language: Ancient Greek
- Length: Approximately 8,000 lines
- Publication Date: 3rd century BCE
-
72votesThe Epic Cycle is a collection of lost epic poems that told the stories of the Trojan War and its aftermath. Only fragments of these works survive, but they were influential in shaping Greek mythology.The Epic Cycle is a collection of ancient Greek epic poems that complement and expand upon the events and characters of Homer's two great works, the Iliad and the Odyssey. It was composed by various authors over several centuries.
- 1: Comprises of 13 poems including the famous Trojan War stories such as the Cypria, the Iliad Aethiopis, and the Odyssey.
- 2: The poems in the Epic Cycle cover events before, during, and after the Trojan War, providing a comprehensive narrative of the mythological Greek world.
- 3: The Epic Cycle was considered to be an authoritative source of mythology and was often referenced by later Greek authors.
- 4: While the content of the Epic Cycle is known, only fragments and summaries of the original poems have survived.
- 5: The poems in the Epic Cycle were likely composed and transmitted orally before being written down.
-
85votesThe Homeric Hymns is a collection of hymns attributed to Homer that celebrate various gods and goddesses in the Greek pantheon. They are an important source for ancient Greek religion.The Homeric Hymns is a collection of 33 anonymous ancient Greek hymns that were traditionally attributed to Homer. These hymns were composed in the 7th and 6th centuries BCE and are considered some of the earliest examples of Greek literature.
- Number of hymns: 33
- Time of composition: 7th and 6th centuries BCE
- Form: Poetic hymns
- Subject: Various gods and mythological figures
- Length: Varies (average around 30-60 lines)
-
95votes
W. Schubart · Public domainThe Dionysiaca - an epic poem by the late Roman poet Nonnus that tells the story of the god Dionysus and his adventures. It is an important work of Byzantine literature. -
103votesThe Theban Cycle is a collection of epic poems that told the stories of the city of Thebes and its royal family, including the famous myths of Oedipus and Antigone. These works are also lost, but they were influential in shaping Greek mythology.The Theban Cycle is a collection of Greek epic poems that revolve around the ancient city of Thebes and its legendary characters. It comprises a series of myths and stories related to the founding, history, and downfall of Thebes, offering a deeper understanding of the city's mythology and prominent figures.
- 1: The Theban Cycle consists of several interconnected poems, the most famous being the 'Theban War' and the 'Epic of Seven Against Thebes'.
- 2: It focuses on significant characters from Greek mythology, such as Oedipus, Antigone, Polynices, Eteocles, and the Sphinx.
- 3: The cycle explores themes of fate, family, power, betrayal, and tragedy, often depicting the downfall of great heroes and the repercussions of their choices.
- 4: A central event in the Theban Cycle is the war between the two sons of Oedipus, Eteocles and Polynices, for control of Thebes.
- 5: The Theban Cycle is closely intertwined with other Greek epic cycles, including the Trojan Cycle and the Argonautica.
Missing your favorite epic?
Graphs
Discussion
Ranking factors for popular epic
-
Historical and cultural significanceConsider the impact the epic has had on Greek literature, arts, and culture throughout history. This includes its influence on other literary works and its contributions to the development of Greek language, mythology, and values.
-
TimelessnessEvaluate the epic's enduring appeal and its ability to resonate with readers and audiences across various time periods and cultures. A popular Greek epic should offer insights into human nature, universal truths, or timeless themes.
-
Literary qualityAnalyze the epic's structure, style, and narrative techniques, such as its use of symbolism, imagery, and characterization. A well-crafted epic should be engaging and should demonstrate a mastery of the literary form.
-
Complexity of themes and charactersA popular Greek epic should explore complex themes and feature multi-dimensional characters with distinct motivations, strengths, and flaws. This adds depth and richness to the story, making it more engaging and thought-provoking.
-
Impact on world literatureAssess the epic's contribution to the broader tradition of world literature, including its influence on other cultures, literary movements, and genres. A popular Greek epic should have transcended its original cultural context and inspired other literary works across generations and cultures.
-
Accessibility and translationConsider the availability of the epic in modern languages and its suitability for contemporary readers. A popular Greek epic should be accessible to a wide audience and should retain its literary qualities in translation.
-
Reception and popularityExamine the epic's reception by readers and critics throughout history, including its popularity, awards, and critical acclaim. A popular Greek epic should have a strong following and be well-regarded by both casual readers and literary scholars.
-
Adaptations and reinterpretationsConsider the various adaptations and reinterpretations of the epic in other forms of media, such as in film, theater, and visual arts. A popular Greek epic should have inspired various creative expressions of its story, characters, and themes.
-
Educational valueAssess the epic's contribution to our understanding of Greek history, society, religion, and mythology. A popular Greek epic should offer valuable insights into ancient Greek culture and be a valuable resource for educators, students, and researchers.
-
Representation and diversityConsider the epic's representation of various social groups, genders, and perspectives. A popular Greek epic should reflect the diversity of ancient Greek society, depicting various aspects of life and viewpoints.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular Greek epic. 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
- 1703 views
- 145 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 greek epic
The ancient Greeks were known for their epic poetry, which told stories of heroes and gods in a grand and elevated style. Among the most famous of these epics are the Iliad and the Odyssey, both attributed to the legendary poet Homer. These works have had a profound impact on Western literature and continue to captivate readers today. But while the Iliad and the Odyssey are perhaps the best-known examples of Greek epic poetry, they are far from the only ones. Other notable works include the Theogony, which tells the story of the gods' creation of the world, and the Works and Days, a moralistic work that provides advice and wisdom for everyday life. As you explore the world of Greek epic poetry, you will discover a rich tapestry of stories, characters, and themes that continue to inspire and entertain readers around the globe.
Explore other rankings
Check out some of the other recommended rankings on StrawPoll and make your voice heard.
