epic
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epic poem
A long narrative poem in verse or prose that deals with heroic deeds, historical events, or mythological figures.
Homers „Odyssee“ ist eines der berühmtesten Epen der Weltliteratur.
Homer's Odyssey is one of the most famous epics in world literature.
The word 'Epos' (epic) belongs to educated or elevated language. It is often used in discussions about literature, history, or film and sounds more formal and sophisticated.
Die Biografie des Künstlers liest sich wie ein Epos des 20. Jahrhunderts.
The artist's biography reads like an epic of the 20th century.
In its literary meaning, 'Epos' (epic poem) is often combined with adjectives that describe the era or character. Typical examples are 'antikes Epos' (ancient epic), 'mittelalterliches Epos' (medieval epic), or 'Heldenepos' (heroic epic).
Das Gilgamesch-Epos ist eines der ältesten literarischen Werke der Menschheit.
The Epic of Gilgamesh is one of humanity's oldest literary works.
The figurative meaning can often be recognized from the context. When it is about modern media such as films and series or about drawn-out personal experiences, the figurative meaning is usually intended.
Die Verhandlungen zogen sich über Monate hin und wurden zu einem politischen Epos.
The negotiations dragged on for months and became a political epic.
Colloquially, 'Epos' (epic) can also be used ironically for a very long and complicated affair. It then describes a process that feels endless.
Meine Suche nach einer neuen Wohnung in der Großstadt war ein einziges Epos.
My search for a new apartment in the big city was one long epic.
novel
'der Roman' and 'das Epos' can both be long narrative works. A Roman is a long prose work with a plot and characters, and today it is a very normal term for many books. An Epos is more strongly connected with grand, often heroic, historical, or mythological subject matter and can also be written in verse. In a figurative sense, both can stand for something very long, but 'Epos' often sounds grander, more impressive, or more exaggerated. Learners may confuse the words because both involve length and a narrative form. For a normal long book, you usually use 'Roman'; for a grand, heroic, or very extensive work, 'Epos' fits better.
Im Seminar sprechen wir über ein altes Epos mit Göttern, Helden und langen Reisen.
In the seminar, we are talking about an ancient epic with gods, heroes, and long journeys.
Am Abend hat Maria dem Roman noch zwei Kapitel hinzugefügt.
In the evening, Maria added two more chapters to the novel.