Which two of these characteristics are common to epics and ballads? Both originated from the oral poetic tradition. Both revolve around the exploits of a central hero. Both use iambic pentameter and a simple rhyme scheme. Both contain the elements of a narrative. Both are exclusively focused on mythological stories.

Ballads and epics are forms of verse which are often narrative. Ballads are dancing songs. Traditional ballads emphasize central dramatic event, and recount comic or heroic stories. Epics on the other hand are lengthy narrative poems concerning serious subjects like details of heroic stories or deeds and events important to a nation or culture.

Both contains the elements of a narrative.