What genre does 'The Iliad' belong to?

'The Iliad' is classified as epic poetry, a genre characterized by its lengthy narrative structure that typically involves heroic deeds and significant events, often linked to a nation's mythology or history. This ancient Greek poem, attributed to Homer, recounts the events of the Trojan War, focusing on key figures and their struggles—particularly the wrath of Achilles.

Epic poetry often employs a formal and elevated style, utilizing features such as invoking the Muse, beginning in medias res (in the middle of things), and having grand themes like heroism, fate, and the wrath of gods, all of which are prominent in 'The Iliad'. The work stands as one of the foundational texts of Western literature and exemplifies the characteristics of its genre through its exploration of human emotion and the impact of war, as well as its use of meter, particularly dactylic hexameter.

The other options do not accurately reflect the nature of 'The Iliad'. Tragedy, while it addresses serious themes and often includes noble characters facing dire circumstances, is more associated with dramatic works, such as those of Sophocles or Euripides. Historical fiction generally involves fictional narratives set in a historical context, blending factual history with fictional characters, which underscores a different