Assembled to aid high school literature teachers in exploring the epic with their students, materials in this book approach the epic as a product of a specific culture which presents vivid pictures of earlier societies. Following the introduction and the opening essay, "The Role of the Supernatural in the Epic," chapters are grouped under the headings of "Ancient Near Eastern and Classical Epics,""Epics of India,""National Epics,""Renaissance Epics,""Christian Epics," and "Epics in America." Four essays are also included: "Epic Themes and Techniques Illustrated in Translations of the Iliad"; "Sample Linguistic Analysis of the Iliad, I. 1-7"; "Suggested Projects for the Study of Epics"; and "Words of Art, Literature, and Music Based on Epics." A bibliography concludes the book with sections on available paperback epic translations, available paperback epics in English, epics available in hardback editions only, reference works, and audiovisual teaching materials. (JM)