Why women were nonexistence in epic poems?

Answer 1

They're not...not in the least. Unless you mean epic poetry written by women, which I do know is out there. But it sounds like you're asking about female characters, in which case I'm curious as to what epic poetry you've been reading about because from Homer through to Milton, women tend to be some of the most important characters, and there are plenty of them. Just to name a few in Homer:

The Iliad: Helen, Andromache, Thetis, Hera, Athena, Aphrodite, Hecabe, Briseis

The Odyssey: Penelope, Circe, Nausikaa, Arete, Calypso, Eurykleia, Athena

As for later epic poetry, such as that written in the Middle Ages:

Beowulf: Hygd, and if you want to count her in spite of her not being human, Grendel's mother

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight: Guinevere, the manor lady, Morgana

The Divine Comedy: Beatrice

They're fewer in number but only because those poems feature a smaller, more focused cast of characters than classical epics.

I hope this helps with your question.

Answer 2

Women were often overlooked in epic poems because these narratives focused on traditional male hero figures and their exploits. Historical and societal norms placed higher importance on male characters, relegating female characters to more secondary or supporting roles. However, there are exceptions where women do play significant roles in epic poems, challenging traditional gender roles and norms.