Dante's Inferno

Certainly this is a deviation from the normal epics, yet it remains largely true to much of the conventions. The descent through hell mirrors the descent to the underworld which dates back to the epic of Gilgamesh. The long poetic form also contributes to its sense of epic. It also does have an oral tradition, being the pre-written scripture passed for generations among Jews, the old testament. In this sense, Dante takes the scripture, and probably much folklore based on hell (Virgil, even) and compiles it into his own epic. Fascinating stuff.

It was fascinating seeing our old friends Dido, Celpatra, Helen, Achiiles and Paris swooping around down there in hell! EPIC!