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Epic poem by John Milton, concerning the biblical story of the Fall of Man: the temptation of Adam and Eve by Satan and their expulsion from the Garden of Eden. Its themes include the nature of evil and the question of predestination.

Old French epic poem based on the Battle of Roncevaux Pass during Charlemagne's reign. It depicts the valor and martyrdom of the knight Roland and has become emblematic of the code of chivalry.

Epic poem by Dante Alighieri, describing the poet's journey through Hell, Purgatory, and Paradise. It is widely considered the preeminent work in Italian literature and one of the greatest works of world literature.

One of the two major Sanskrit epics of ancient India, the Mahabharata recounts the Kurukshetra War and the fate of the Kaurava and the Pandava princes. It includes the Bhagavad Gita and discusses dharma (duty/ethics).

Sequel to The Iliad, following the Greek hero Odysseus’ ten-year journey home after the fall of Troy. The Odyssey is notable for its exploration of themes like wanderlust, hospitality, and loyalty.

Ancient Indian epic poem which narrates the life of Prince Rama, his wife Sita, and his loyal companion Hanuman. A story of abduction, love, and righteousness, the Ramayana has had profound impact on art and culture in the Indian subcontinent.

Middle High German epic poem inspired by the legendary hero Siegfried and the Burgundian kingdom's downfall. It represents a central work of the Germanic epic tradition and the medieval European heroic literature.

Old English epic poem set in Scandinavia. Beowulf, a hero of the Geats, comes to the aid of Hrothgar, the king of the Danes, whose mead hall is under attack by a monster named Grendel. It is one of the most important works of Old English literature.

Spanish epic poem based on the true story of Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar, known as El Cid, during the Reconquista. It is a major work of Spanish literature and reflects medieval values of chivalry and honor.

Ancient Greek epic poem attributed to Homer, detailing the Trojan War and the quarrel between King Agamemnon and the warrior Achilles. The Iliad has had a vast influence on Western culture and remains a staple of classical education.

Middle English chivalric romance that tells the story of Sir Gawain, a knight of King Arthur's Round Table. Gawain accepts a challenge from a mysterious Green Knight, leading to a test of bravery, honor, and chastity.

Medieval French epic poetry genre, 'La Chanson de Geste' (Song of Heroic Deeds) comprises a series of epic poems like 'The Song of Roland.' They focus on the valor of Christian heroes during the early Middle Ages.

A collection of tales from Irish mythology, purporting to narrate the history of Ireland from the creation of the world to the Middle Ages. It merges myth, pseudo-history, and Christian theology.

Latin epic poem by Virgil, telling the legendary story of Aeneas, a Trojan who travelled to Italy and became the ancestor of the Romans. It is a Trojan counterpart to Homer's Greek epics and an important source of Roman mythology.

National epic of Finland compiled by Elias Lönnrot, based on folk poetry and stories. It includes the heroic adventures of Väinämöinen and has greatly influenced Finnish culture.

Chinese epic novel attributing to the authorship of Wu Cheng’en, depicting the pilgrimage of the Buddhist monk Xuanzang who travels to India to obtain sacred texts and the adventures that ensue with his disciples.

Epic poem by Luís de Camões, often considered Portugal's national epic. It dramatises the Portuguese explorations and pays tribute to their achievements in navigation and discoveries.

Modernist epic poem by Ezra Pound, consisting of 120 sections, each of which is called a 'Canto.' It deals with politics, economics, history, and culture, experimenting with different poetic forms.

Ancient Mesopotamian poem that is often regarded as the earliest surviving great work of literature. The story follows the semi-mythical King Gilgamesh of Uruk and his quest for immortality.

Collection of Middle Welsh tales compiled in the 12th to 13th centuries. Consisting of myths, legends, and folk tales, it is crucial for the study of Celtic mythology and British literary history.

Epic poem written by the Persian poet Ferdowsi around 1000 AD. It tells the mythical and historical past of the Persian Empire from the creation of the world until the Islamic conquest of Persia.

Epic poem by Edmund Spenser, written in praise of Queen Elizabeth I. The Faerie Queene is an allegorical work that celebrates Elizabethan virtues through a narrative of knights on mythical quests.

Italian epic poem by Ludovico Ariosto, narrating the adventures of Orlando, a Christian knight. It is a chivalric fantasy notable for its intricate plot, humor and satire, and commentary on contemporary issues.

Sacred book of the Maya, featuring creation stories and mythological heroes. It is a fundamental text for understanding Mayan culture in the post-classic period and before the Spanish conquest.

Latin narrative poem by Ovid considered one of the most important sources of classical mythology. It consists of over 250 myths and tells the history of the world from creation to the deification of Julius Caesar.

19th-century work of epic poetry compiled by Elias Lönnrot from Karelian and Finnish oral folklore and mythology. It is the national epic of Finland and has played a significant role in the development of Finnish national identity.

Portuguese epic poem by Luís de Camões, chronicling the voyages of Vasco da Gama. The work celebrates Portuguese exploration and empire but also reflects on the human condition.

East Slavic epic poem of the 12th century, recounting Prince Igor's raid against the Polovtsians and examining themes of loyalty, courage, and the disunity of Russian lands.