I was reading today about someone complaining about overuse of the phrase "epic fail".
What bothers me, more than the overuse, is the fact that it's almost always a misuse of the word "epic". To be "epic", whatever it is really needs to be about a hero and his trials - that's what the word means.
Beowulf. The Illiad. The Hobbit. The Dark Knight.
If there's no hero involved, it's not an "epic" anything.
Here's my favourite epic tale of all time - The Point, the story of the hero Oblio (by the immortal Harry Nilsson). If you've only seen the TV version, narrated by Ringo Starr - well, this is way better. These are audio-only links.
Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7
So, what's your favourite epic?
This is on my list also! Thanks for the reminder.
A book that is near the top of my list of must reads.
I've really been enjoying the TV series and would like to someday read the books. I can see why you consider it a favorite. It's pretty amazing.
I'm really digging the Nilsson version of "The Point" but just an FYI that the first link you provided was to the band that Goosey linked to earlier. -Good stuff, but not sure you meant it though. Also: The music to The Point is amazing.
Considering the topic... I'd say it was sort of an epic fail, no?
Orson Scott Card's "Ender's Game" was the first to pop into my mind. Card did another series (The Maker Series) which is another great one. There is a Korean Historical Drama called "Jumong" that I would have to choose as well. Side note: I suggest re-evaluating your view on the misuse of 'epic'. The common meaning has certainly expanded. Third definition from Urban Dictionary: "Being unusually large, powerful or wonderful. On a grander scale than the modified word would otherwise imply." The cool thing about language is there is no 'correct', just consensus. It keeps evolving.
Good point. I also liked the "Maker" series - I only read the first two (7th son and red prophet, I think?)