What term describes a prayer or invocation to a deity for assistance, often found at the beginning of epics?

The term that accurately describes a prayer or invocation to a deity for assistance, especially at the beginning of epic poetry, is "invocation." This term specifically refers to the act of calling upon a higher power or deity to inspire or aid the poet or hero as the story unfolds. In epics such as Homer's "Iliad" or "Odyssey," the invocation often sets the tone and context for the narrative, establishing a connection between the divine and the earthly realm, highlighting the themes and significance of the tale to follow.

While "supplication" also involves asking for help, it does not specifically convey the act of invoking a deity as the central focus that "invocation" does. "Dedication" typically refers to the attribution of the work to a person or entity, while "address" is a broader term that may involve speaking to an audience or reader but lacks the specific spiritual connotation that "invocation" carries in the context of epic poetry.