Definition of the epic
 

I am taking a literature class this semster and today we talked about literary traditions, one being the epic tradition of Homor etc. According to the definition of the epic my professor gave, Lord of the Rings in an epic. The definition is: National Scale, Intense Conflict, Rise of the warrior/king above the conflict.

On my LotR books (movie cover) it says, "The greatest fantasy epic of our time."

I'm not sure I like that definition. I think the words are poorly chosen.

I think a better definition is: "Cosmic scale (and that does not necessarily mean intergalactic ;)), and triumph over tremendous circumstances."

I would call FOTR (maybe not LOTR), but definately FOTR a tragedy.

A noble hero who dies (or is defeated) from overwhelming forces he/she can't control. (Gandalf and Boromir)