Here's why:
* Length: Epic poems are typically very long and complex, often spanning multiple books or cantos.
* Narrative: They tell a grand and sweeping story, usually about a hero's journey or a pivotal event in history or mythology.
* Elevated Language: Epic poems use elevated and formal language, often employing poetic devices like similes, metaphors, and epic similes.
* Supernatural Elements: They often include supernatural beings, gods, and divine intervention.
* Importance: They reflect the values, beliefs, and culture of the time period in which they were written.
The Odyssey is a perfect example of an epic poem, fulfilling all of these criteria. It tells the story of Odysseus's journey home after the Trojan War, a grand narrative filled with supernatural elements, poetic language, and cultural insights into Ancient Greece.