An epic and a saga are both narrative forms that depict long, heroic tales. However, the key difference lies in their cultural and historical contexts. An epic is often associated with ancient oral traditions, like Homer’s “Iliad” and “Odyssey.” It typically centers around a hero’s journey and is deeply rooted in a specific culture.

On the other hand, a saga, while also portraying heroic exploits, is more commonly linked with Norse and Icelandic literature. Sagas tend to be prose narratives, providing detailed accounts of historical and legendary events. While epics are usually poetic and associated with oral storytelling, sagas are often written down and can encompass a broader range of stories within a family or community.