Epic stories, eternal relevance: Ancient tales united Greece and China

From the verses of Homer to the chants of Central Asia, epic poetry has long captured the essence of the human experience. The recent International Conference on Epic Studies, held in Athens, is drawing global attention to the lasting impact of these ancient stories — and their relevance in today's world.

Held in the heart of the Greek capital, the conference brought together scholars, authors and cultural leaders from across the globe. Co-hosted by academic institutions from China and Greece, the event aimed to explore how epic traditions continue to inspire, educate and connect modern societies.

"Epics are not only literary treasures, but also carriers of culture and witnesses of civilization," Peng Jinhui – vice president of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences – told CGTN. 

"They transmit the wisdom of our ancestors and reflect humanity's spiritual pursuit of meaning," he added. "By exploring their contemporary value, we can promote exchange and mutual learning between civilizations, and build a more inclusive global culture."

Preserving epic traditions

Key themes include preserving epic traditions in the digital age, examining their historical foundations, and exploring how these stories can help foster intercultural understanding in an increasingly interconnected world.

For Greece, epic storytelling is more than a cultural artifact — it is a foundational part of the nation's identity. 

"The Iliad and the Odyssey form the core of ancient Greek literature and continue to influence global thought and culture," said Georgios Didaskalou, secretary-general of the Hellenic Ministry of Culture.

"Through the epic tradition, societies preserved the values they deemed essential. Collaborations like this enrich dialogue and build bridges between civilizations."

Shared values

Despite the geographical distance between Greece and China, participants said the shared value of cultural preservation binds the two ancient civilizations. 

"Though China and Greece are separated by great distances, their histories resonate with each other across time and space," said Lai Bo, minister-counsellor at the Chinese Embassy in Greece.

The message at the conference was not just about safeguarding the past — but about ensuring its relevance. 

"It's important to maintain the core value of a culture, but equally vital to allow it to be recreated in new contexts," deputy director of the Institute of Ethnic Literature An Deming told CGTN.  

"Culture must not be frozen in time. It should grow and evolve, becoming a living resource and a tool for connection."

The lively discussions in Athens underlined that epic stories are far from relics. They remain powerful bridges — linking generations, civilizations and the timeless search for meaning.