That is to say, epic poetry has been invented many times and independently; but, as the needs which prompted the invention have been broadly similar, so the invention itself has been.
Epic poetry exhibits life in some great symbolic attitude. It cannot strictly be said to symbolize life itself, but always some manner of life.
He passes from lyric to epic poetry in order to speak about the world and the torment in the world through man, rationally and emotionally. The poet then becomes a danger.
If epic poetry is a definite species, the sagas do not fall within it.
Cut quarrels out of literature, and you will have very little history or drama or fiction or epic poetry left.
By the general process of epic poetry, I mean the way this form of art has constantly responded to the profound needs of the society in which it was made.