An epic is a long episodic narrative poem that tells the adventures of a historical or mystical hero. Episodic narratives have a larger story divided into closely connected, but individual and separate sections. Some important qualities that distinguish an epic are unrealistic antagonists, Gods and Goddesses playing important roles, and a story that involves the re-establishment of a suitable leader. “The Odyssey,” by Homer, is an epic because Odysseus (the hero) faces supernatural antagonists, the gods and goddesses play an important role, and Odysseus is restored as the rightful leader. Throughout the story, Odysseus faces several supernatural antagonists. One of these antagonists is a creature called Scylla. In a bold and dangerous section of the epic, the story mentions: “He and his crew must pass between Scylla and Charybdis. Scylla is a terrifying monster with six heads. It dwells in a high rock cave, devouring sailors from ships that pass nearby. "(Homer 617) Scylla is a supernatural monster because no great creature in the world has been identified that has six heads. She is Odysseus' antagonist because in this particular section Odysseus must challenge the monster by sailing in its vicinity, without losing sailors. However, Scylla devours six of his men, one for each head. Therefore, losing his men to Scylla, the monster is noticeably an antagonist. Before meeting Scylla, Odysseus faces a one-eyed monster named Polyphemus . Polyphemus lives in the land of the Cyclops and Ulysses is eager to meet this "king of the mountain". An excerpt from the story of the Cyclops Ulysses reports: “...but with a single step he grabbed my companions and captured two of them in his hands. like wriggling puppies... middle of paper......raits. Learning from his mistakes, Odysseus will be more knowledgeable about how a king would behave. Developing leadership traits is the final point that makes “L 'Odyssey' an epic. “The Odyssey,” by Homer, is an epic because Odysseus (the hero) faces supernatural antagonists, Gods and Goddesses play an important role, and Odysseus is mortal and possesses flaws and imperfections. Ulysses encounters monsters such as the Cyclopes, Scylla and Charybdis. Interacts with the gods Zeus and Poseidon. Odysseus is also in the process of acquiring leadership traits such as judgment and caution. “The Odyssey” is an epic journey filled with the quests and adventures of Odysseus. Works Cited Homer. "The Odyssey." Adventures in reading. Ed. Dorothy Diemer Hendry. Trans. Robert Fitzgerald. Orlando: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1989. 599-653. Press.