To be identified as an epic, a poem must have which of the following characteristics

An epic Poem is a Ceremonial Performance and is narrated in a ceremonial style. Which is deliberately distances from ordinary speech and proportion to the grandeur and formality of the heroic subject matter and the epic architecture.

The Hero is a figure of great national or even cosmic importance, and represents a culture's heroic ideal.

The setting of the poem is ample in scale, and may be world wide, or even larger.

The action involves superhuman deeds in battles.

In these great actions, the gods and other supernatural being take an interest or an active part.