A narrative epic is a long, often poetic story that recounts the adventures and deeds of heroic figures. These tales typically explore themes of bravery, honor, and the struggle between good and evil. They often include supernatural elements and are set against grand backdrops, such as wars or quests. Famous examples include Homer's "Iliad" and Virgil's "Aeneid". Narrative epics are characterized by their elevated language and formal structure, often employing literary devices like similes and metaphors. They serve not only to entertain but also to convey cultural values and historical events, making them significant in the study of literature and history.