The Nine Sagas Of EPIC: The Musical – Everything You Need To Know About Jorge Rivera-Herrans' Viral Masterpiece

The concept album phenomenon known as EPIC: The Musical has officially concluded its legendary voyage, cementing its place as one of the most successful independent musical projects of the decade. As of December 15, 2025, the full nine-saga adaptation of Homer's *Odyssey* is available for streaming, culminating with the release of "The Ithaca Saga" on December 25, 2024. This ambitious, sung-through retelling follows the hero Odysseus on his twenty-year journey home after the Trojan War, captivating millions of listeners globally through its innovative digital-first release strategy.

The project, spearheaded by the multi-talented Jorge Rivera-Herrans, has redefined how new musical theatre can be developed and consumed in the modern era. By leveraging social media platforms and releasing the work as a series of concept albums, EPIC bypassed traditional Broadway development pathways to build a massive, dedicated fanbase before ever gracing a physical stage. This deep dive explores the visionary creator, the complete nine-part structure, and the profound cultural impact of this modern mythological masterpiece.

Jorge Rivera-Herrans: The Visionary Behind the Viral Epic

The driving force behind EPIC: The Musical is Jorge Miguel "Jay" Rivera-Herrans, a playwright, composer, lyricist, and actor. Raised in the vibrant coastal town of Dorado, Puerto Rico, Rivera-Herrans dedicated his early life to studying the craft of storytelling and musical theatre.

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His work on EPIC began as a passion project, where he initially wrote the music, lyrics, and composed the entire score. He also took on the central acting role, voicing the complex and tormented hero, Odysseus.

Rivera-Herrans' approach was revolutionary: instead of seeking a traditional stage production first, he chose to release the musical as a series of nine concept albums, or "sagas," directly to the public via streaming platforms and social media. This digital distribution model allowed the music to go viral, particularly on platforms like TikTok and YouTube, creating a grassroots movement that proved the immense demand for the show.

Beyond his central role as Odysseus, Rivera-Herrans is credited with discovering and curating an incredible vocal cast, including talents like Luke Holt, Teagan Earley, Armando Julian, and Talya Sindel, who helped bring the epic scope of the project to life.

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The Nine Sagas of EPIC: The Musical – An Album-by-Album Breakdown

EPIC: The Musical is structured as a two-act, nine-part journey that meticulously follows the narrative of Homer's *Odyssey*. Each saga is a full concept album, detailing a specific chapter of Odysseus' arduous twenty-year quest to return to his home in Ithaca. The final saga, "The Ithaca Saga," officially completed the collection in late 2024.

Here is a complete look at the nine sagas that make up the full epic:

The Troy Saga

This opening saga sets the stage, focusing on the end of the Trojan War. It establishes Odysseus' cunning—particularly his role in the Trojan Horse strategy—and introduces his hubris, which ultimately draws the ire of the gods, specifically Poseidon. Key tracks like "The Horse and the Infant" and "Just a Man" highlight the immediate consequences of his actions.

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The Cyclops Saga

A pivotal moment in the *Odyssey*, this saga details the crew's encounter with the man-eating Cyclops, Polyphemus, Poseidon’s son. Odysseus blinds the giant, a move that secures his crew's escape but solidifies Poseidon's personal vendetta against him, ensuring his long, difficult journey.

The Ocean Saga

This part of the musical is dedicated to the perilous sea voyages, introducing mythological dangers and the relentless power of the sea god. It often features the crew grappling with extreme weather and the psychological toll of their endless wandering. This saga emphasizes the themes of loss and the sheer scale of the epic journey.

The Circe Saga

Odysseus and his men land on the island of the sorceress Circe. This saga explores themes of temptation, power, and the loss of identity, as Circe transforms some of the crew into swine. The music here often contrasts seductive melodies with the underlying tension of a life-or-death scenario.

The Underworld Saga

A journey into the realm of the dead, this saga sees Odysseus consulting the blind prophet Tiresias. The Underworld Saga features some of the musical's most introspective and emotional tracks, as Odysseus confronts the ghosts of his past and receives a dire prophecy about his future.

The Thunder Saga

This saga often deals with the monstrous challenges faced at sea, such as the Sirens, Scylla, and Charybdis. The music is characterized by high-stakes drama and chaotic soundscapes, illustrating the impossible choices Odysseus must make to save any remnant of his crew.

The Wisdom Saga

Often centered on the island of Ogygia, this saga focuses on the goddess Calypso and the intervention of the goddess Athena. While Calypso offers Odysseus immortality, Athena's wisdom and guidance are crucial in securing his eventual release and providing the means for him to return home, highlighting the divine influence on his fate.

The Vengeance Saga

Odysseus finally returns to Ithaca, but finds his home overrun by greedy suitors attempting to marry his wife, Penelope, and claim his throne. This saga builds tension as Odysseus must operate in disguise. It culminates in the famous archery contest and the violent, necessary act of reclaiming his kingdom.

The Ithaca Saga (The Grand Finale)

The final saga, released in December 2024, resolves the twenty-year epic. It focuses on the aftermath of the battle, the reunion with Penelope and his son Telemachus, and the final establishment of peace in his kingdom. The Ithaca Saga provides the emotional payoff and closure for the long, winding journey of the hero.

From TikTok Phenomenon to Modern Mythology: The Cultural Impact

The success of EPIC: The Musical is a case study in modern media and storytelling. The project’s reliance on concept albums and social media engagement has drawn comparisons to other groundbreaking works like Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton and the digital-age success of Six: The Musical.

By adapting the Ancient Greek epic poem, *The Odyssey*, into a contemporary sung-through rock opera format, Rivera-Herrans made classical mythology accessible to a new generation. The use of modern musical styles, including rock, pop, and rap elements, helped bridge the gap between ancient literature and current pop culture sensibilities.

The unique development process—releasing the music before any official stage production—created an organic, global community. Fans created their own animated videos (animatics), fan art, and discussions, effectively co-creating the visual and cultural world of the musical. This bottom-up approach demonstrates a powerful shift in how musical theatre can find its audience.

While the concept albums are complete, the conversation around EPIC: The Musical is far from over. With its massive following and critical buzz, the inevitable next step is a full-scale stage production. The viral success has laid the groundwork, proving the financial and artistic viability of bringing Odysseus' tale to a physical theatre. Industry speculation continues to focus on when and where this digital phenomenon will finally make its long-awaited transition to the Broadway or West End stage, fulfilling the ultimate destiny of this modern musical epic.