Question

The Odyssey - Elpenor is an epic poem because it features a(n)

1 character summoning and talking to the dead.
2 character sacrificing animals on a remote island.
3 invocation to an ancient Greek goddess.
4 important event in ancient Greek history.

Answer 1

The correct answer is 4. important event in ancient Greek history.

Epic poems are not called epic because they are cool or because they have supernatural events. They are called that because they are usually very long and because they contain some elements of real-life history. The poem Elpenor from the Odyssey does exactly that, which is why it is considered an epic poem.

Answer 2

The Odyssey - Elpenor is an epic poem because it features a "4 important event in ancient Greek history". Animals are also sacrificed but this does not contribute to the epic nature of the poem.