Epithet
A descriptive
phrase, linked to a name, that
helps to describe a particular
character or thing.
Examples
•Odysseus, master mariner and soldier
•Scylla, the monster of the gray rock
6 Types of Epithets
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Origin/Home
Patronymic (Who’s your daddy?)
Appearance/State
Skill/Art
Position
Heroic Quality/General
1. Origins/Home
• Tells the birthplace or
kingdom of the character
Example
• Odysseus, whose home’s on
Ithaca
2. Patronymic
• Gives the lineage of the
character
Example
• Odysseus, son of Laertes
3. Appearance/State
• Physical description of the
character
Example
• Circe, loveliest of goddesses
4. Skill/Art
• Refers to a noteworthy
attribute
Example
• Odysseus, master mariner
and soldier
5. Position
• Identifies the character's
position in their society
Example
• Poseidon, god of the winedark sea
6. Heroic Quality/General
• Identifies epic or cultural
ideals or innate qualities
Example
• Odysseus, raider of cities
Characterization
•Identify individuals
•Give the audience an opportunity to
recognize their favorites
Importance of the Epithet
• In epic poetry, the epithet often follows the name
of the person or thing.
• Acts as a mnemonic for the bard, who tells the
story by heart
• Frequent repetition has the same effect as rhyme
Create two epithets for
each of the following people:
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Your favorite celebrity
Your favorite teacher
Your best friend
Yourself
• You may NOT be hurtful,
coarse, indecent, vulgar or
gross
REMEMBER: KEEP
IT SCHOOL
APPROPRIATE!!
*You should have 8 epithets when you
finish.
:o)
Honors’ Assignment
Analyzing the Author’s Choice of Words
Why would an writer use epithets to describe a
person? What effect does an epithet have on a
reader?
Answer the above questions on Edmodo.
Class code: 82tdyb