heroic poem

noun

1. a poem written in an epic style using lines of iambic pentameter.

Word History and Origins

Origin of heroic poem¹

First recorded in 1685–95

Example Sentences

The warriors of the great Latin heroic poem, the Aeneid, far from rejoicing to escape from him, rejoice when they see that they are to fall “on Mars’ field of renown.”

From Literature

It is obsessed with sexual organs; while many women are in it, it can seem, at times, to be a heroic poem on the theme of phallocentricity.

From New York Times

A heroic poem called “Heliand ” retells the story of Christ with a Northern twist: “the disciples of Jesus are like the band of men a chieftain might assemble in the expectation of their personal loyalty.”

From Washington Post

Byron’s Gloomy Pirate Tale, With Bikini Tutus Added Next year brings the bicentennial of Byron’s heroic poem “The Corsair” — a literary sensation that sold some 10,000 copies on its first day of publication.

From New York Times

I guess the compactness of it pleased people and also the absurdity of the collision — Old English heroic poem meets tiny aspirin tablets.”

From New York Times

Related Words

• legend
• narrative
• tale