The Iliad and the Odyssey are two of the most famous works of ancient Greek literature. They are both EPIC poems, written by Homer in the 8th century BC. An epos is a long narrative poem that tells a story, often about heroic deeds and events of historical or mythological significance. An EPIC is a long narrative poem that celebrates the deeds of a legendary or traditional hero. A SAGA is a long, often heroic narrative poem that is based on oral tradition. All three terms can be used to describe the Iliad and the Odyssey.