Epic

You were born into a story that’s larger than life—and you have a role to play.

In Epic, John Eldredge invites you to discover the grand narrative that has been unfolding since before time began—a story of beauty, adventure, loss, and redemption. Drawing parallels from beloved tales like The Lord of the Rings and The Chronicles of Narnia, Eldredge reveals how these stories echo the true epic written by God. This book helps you see your life as part of a divine drama, where every moment holds significance, and you are called to be a hero in your own right.

For more on this theme, listen to the podcast miniseries “Epic: The Larger Story” episode on the Wild at Heart podcast.

Why this book matters

Many people feel their lives are disconnected, lacking purpose or direction. We often see our experiences as isolated events rather than parts of a cohesive story.

Epic helps readers:

• Understand life as part of a grand, divine narrative.

• Recognize the universal themes of good versus evil, love, and sacrifice in their own lives.

• Find meaning and purpose by identifying their unique role in God's story.

• Gain a renewed perspective on personal struggles and triumphs.

What you’ll discover in Epic

• The universal longing for story – Why humans are drawn to narratives and how this points to a greater story.

• The four acts of the divine drama – Creation, Fall, Redemption, and Restoration, and how they frame our existence.

• Your role in the story – Understanding your unique purpose and how to live it out courageously.

John Eldredge also delves into this topic in The Sacred Romance.

Who should read this book?

This book is for:

• Individuals seeking a deeper understanding of their life's purpose.

• Readers who enjoy stories and want to see how their favorite tales reflect God's truth.

• Anyone feeling lost or disconnected, looking for a framework to make sense of their experiences.

• Believers desiring to see their faith journey as part of a larger adventure.

For those interested in exploring the feminine journey within this grand narrative, consider Captivating by John and Stasi Eldredge.

Epic as a group study for churches & small groups

Epic has been used by various churches and small groups to help members understand their lives within the context of God's overarching story. Its narrative approach makes it accessible and engaging for group discussions.

Why use this for a church or group study?

• Encourages participants to see their personal stories in light of God's plan.

• Fosters meaningful conversations about purpose, struggle, and hope.

• Helps members support each other in discovering and living out their roles in the divine narrative.

For those leading a group study, the Epic Study Guide offers structured questions and exercises to facilitate discussion.

The origin of Epic

John Eldredge wrote Epic to address the innate human desire for meaning and the sense that life is part of something greater. By examining the stories that captivate us, he illustrates how they reflect the ultimate story God is telling—a story in which we all have a part.

A foundation for the Wild at Heart movement

Epic complements the themes explored in Wild at Heart, providing a broader narrative context for understanding one's identity and purpose. It reinforces the idea that every individual is part of a grand adventure, called to live with courage and faith.