historical background. In this context the phrase has definitely positive connotations, as for example in James Joyce's Ulysses where it is suggested Don Quixote is Spain's national epic while Ireland's remains as yet unwritten: They remind one of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza. Our national epic has yet to be written, Dr Sigerson says. Moore is the man for it. A knight of the rueful countenance here in Dublin. See also National poet Civil religion Epic film Epic poetry Founding myth Great American Novel List of national poets List of world folk-epics National myth Philippe-Alexandre Le Brun de Charmettes References Epics Epics