Here's why:
* Length and Scope: Epic poems are long, narrative poems that tell a grand story, often about a hero's journey. The Odyssey, with its 12,110 lines, certainly fits this description.
* Heroic Figure: The poem centers around Odysseus, a cunning and resourceful hero who faces many trials and tribulations.
* Mythological Setting: The story is set in a world of gods and goddesses who intervene in human affairs, a common characteristic of epic poetry.
* Elevated Language: The Odyssey uses formal and elevated language, with vivid descriptions, metaphors, and similes.
* Oral Tradition: Epic poems often developed from an oral tradition, being passed down through generations before being written down. The Odyssey likely had its origins in oral storytelling.
So, the Odyssey, with its length, hero, setting, language, and origins, fits squarely into the category of an epic poem.