>but what about cinema and TV don't they meet >the world's epic needs? The Godfather 1 and 2 are about as good an example of contemporary tragedy as you can get, right from the House of Atreus (3 falls off the perch a bit). Epic? I don't know. Do you mean like Xena? I find it a bit difficult to take most television seriously. (Given of course the presence of brilliant exceptions). Best Alison