Duma is a type of story, similar to a fairy tale or legend, that is passed down through generations. It is a very long story that tells about the adventures of very important people or heroes, often taking place in ancient times. Think of it like hearing a bedtime story about a person who had to go on a big journey and had to face many challenges to save the day.
The word "epic" means that the story is usually really long and has a lot of exciting adventures and battles in it. These stories were often told by people who were really good at remembering all the details of the story and could recite it from memory to a group of listeners. Over time, many different versions of the story were shared and some parts of it may have changed depending on who was telling it or hearing it.
Dumas are usually full of interesting characters, like brave warriors or wise sorcerers, and they teach important lessons about bravery, honor, and equality. They can also be a way for people to learn about their history and cultural traditions. Overall, dumas are stories that we can enjoy and learn from, even if they are very long!