Samsinak
Honors English I
Name___________________Block_____
The Odyssey : LANGUAGE LINK
Epithet – adjective or phrase used to characterize someone. Catherine the Great, baby boomers, The
Refrigerator—these epithets are used to characterize an empress, a generation, and a football player.
Homer uses many epithets as formulas to characterize places and people. When Penelope is referred to
as “faithful Penelope,” we are instantly reminded of her outstanding character trait.
Try it out
1.
Odysseus is called “versatile Odysseus,” “wily Odysseus,” “the strategist,” and “the noble and
enduring man.” What does each underlined word mean?
2. Telemachus is called “clear-headed Telemachus.” How would you define clear-headed? What is
the opposite?
3. Dawn is described as “rosy-fingered.” What does this epithet help you see?
Write Your Own
Make up your own epithets for Odysseus, Calypso, the Cyclops, Circe, Argos, Penelope, and the suitors.
Then make up epithets for at least three characters that are popular on TV shows, in the news, in other
books, in sports, in music, or in entertainment. Write them below.
Odysseus
Calypso
The Cyclops
Circe
Argos
Penelope
The Suitors
1_____________
2_____________
3_____________