Story EPIC

I'm thinking of writing and epic story. But it's hard to be a writer and creating an entirely new universe without being compared to one that's already been created. Most of the major universes draw from myth and legend. Well, let's be honest myths and legends are awesome. Not to mention that there are so many versions of the one same thing across cultures and countries. Then there are ones specific to only one culture. They are the result of creativity, reality, crime, and mystery. These four elements are what make a great story. Authors like J.K.Rowling and J.R.R. Tolkien set a high standard of what a created universe and epic story should be like. It should draw in millions and entertain the masses. Also, other inspiration is taken from something very common, the pantheon. There are several pantheons. Most commonly known are the Greek/Roman and the Norse.