Epic poems have many characteristics. There is a "hero" who is important and has a significant ability or characteristic. There is usually a supernatural aspect, a villain of some kind, and an overlying theme.
There are also several technical aspects. The poet is usually objective, there is repetition in the wording, and an extended speech made by the "hero" is featured at some point.
Charles Perrault, a French author of the 1600s, wrote many of our childhood favorites, including Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, and Little Red Riding Hood.