Digression is a literary device in which the author temporarily departs from the main narrative to introduce additional information, anecdotes, or descriptions that may not be directly relevant to the main plot.
Epic poems often employ digressions to provide historical, mythological, or cultural context, to expand upon the character development, or to offer insights into the themes of the poem.
Homer's Odyssey and Virgil's Aeneid, for example, feature numerous digressions that range from the stories of minor characters to the descriptions of past events and prophecies. These digressions enrich the narrative, enhance the epic scope of the poems, and provide additional dimensions to the characters and themes.