A heroic story is a narrative that focuses on the exploits of a hero or heroine. The term can be used to describe a variety of genres, including sagas, epics, and gestes. A SAGA is a long, often historical, narrative that is usually based on oral tradition. An EPIC is a lengthy poem that tells the story of a hero's journey and their accomplishments. Finally, a GESTE is a narrative poem that is typically about a legendary hero or family. All three terms are used to describe heroic stories.