An epic is a large narrative poetry that generally deals with major issues such as historical events and heroic exploits. Though technically a poem, they alternate between scenes and include conversation, making them unlike any other kind of poetry in the literary world. EPs are divided into seven cantos (sections) of about ten lines each. The first six cantos are called "strophes" and the last canto is called the "epic stanza". Epics share many characteristics including: an emphasis on action over description, a tendency to use formal verse, and a desire to tell a complete story. In addition, epics are usually based on real-life events or people. For example, Homer's Iliad is based on the Battle of Troy described in some detail in the Epic of Dares. However, many myths and legends have been interpreted as epics over time by different cultures for various reasons. For example, the Old Testament narrative of Adam and Eve was originally told in epic form by several authors over a long period of time. The term "epic" has become popular again due to the work of H.H. McNightly who edited an anthology of modern epic poems titled The Epic of Today (1938). Since then, many more modern epics have been written by many different poets from around the world.