Literary elements of an epic include all of the following exceptGroup of answer choiceshero.universal theme.humor.formal speeches.

To identify the option that does not belong to the literary elements of an epic, we should analyze each answer choice based on what typically characterizes epic literature.

1. Hero: Epics often feature a central hero who embodies the values of their culture and faces great challenges. This is a fundamental element of an epic.

2. Universal Theme: Epics usually explore themes that resonate across cultures and time, such as good versus evil, love, honor, and bravery. This characteristic is commonly found in epic literature.

3. Humor: While some epics may have moments of levity or humor, it is not a defining characteristic of the genre. Epics are primarily serious in nature and focus on grand themes and high-stakes drama.

4. Formal Speeches: The use of formal speeches is a common feature of epic poetry, often employed to highlight the heroic qualities of characters and to convey important messages or themes.

Conclusion

From this analysis, the element that is least characteristic of epics is humor.

Final Answer

Humor is the literary element of an epic that is least relevant among the choices given.