The Epos, word, saga, states simply what the fact is which is
translated into the word. It acquires an essentially self-consistent
content in order to express the fact _that it is_ and how it is. What
we have here brought before consciousness is the object regarded as
object in its relations and circumstances, in their full compass and
development, the object, in short, in its determinate existence.
We propose to treat our subject-matter as follows:
_First_, we shall attempt to describe the _general_ character of what
is Epical:
_Secondly_, we shall proceed to some _particular_ features, which in
respect to the real Epos are of exceptional importance:
_Thirdly_, we shall enumerate by name certain _specific_ methods
of treatment, which have been actually in use in particular epic
compositions within the historical elaboration of the type.