If I were have to list my favorite epic, it would be the trilogy of the video game "Halo". Basically stating, the plot centers on an interstellar war between humanity and a theocratic alliance of aliens known as the "Covenant". The Covenant are led by their leaders, The Prophets, and worship an ancient civilization known as the "Forerunners" who perished in combat with the parasitic "Flood". The Flood are organic, infected, warper creatures, who can take the hosts of other bodies and spread the plague. The plot is obviously more complex than this, but what my favorite part is the main character / protagonist, named Master Chief, or Spartan-117. He is an elite super-soldier who is he last of his military breed. And he saves the world.

This youtube link basically sums it up, somewhat serious/humorous: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NIwnrIOqhO8&feature=related