1. To celebrate heroes and their deeds: Epic poems often focus on a central hero, someone of great strength, skill, and often divine lineage. They celebrate their accomplishments, highlighting their bravery, loyalty, and wisdom. This serves to inspire awe and admiration in the audience, serving as a model for proper behavior and values. Think of Beowulf's fight against Grendel, or Odysseus's long journey home.
2. To preserve and transmit cultural values and history: Epic poems often serve as a repository of a culture's beliefs, customs, and history. They provide insights into the society's worldview, its understanding of the world, and its relationship with the divine. Think of the Trojan War in Homer's *Iliad* and *Odyssey*, reflecting the values and beliefs of Ancient Greece.
3. To entertain and engage the audience: Epic poems are often filled with dramatic action, vivid imagery, and emotional depth. They use language with power and beauty, engaging the reader's imagination and keeping them captivated throughout the story. Think of the epic battles, journeys, and challenges faced by the heroes in these poems, designed to keep the audience enthralled.