What is a epithet in literature?

epithet, adjective or phrase that is used to express a characteristic of a person or thing, such as Ivan the Terrible. In literature, the term is considered an element of poetic diction, something that distinguishes the language of poetry from ordinary language.

What is an epithet in literature examples?

An epithet is a nickname or descriptive term that's added to someone's name that becomes part of common usage. For example, in the name Alexander the Great, “the Great” is an epithet.

What literary device is epithet?

Epithet Definition

Epithet is a descriptive literary device that describes a place, a thing, or a person in such a way that it helps in making its characteristics more prominent than they actually are. Also, it is known as a “by-name,” or “descriptive title.”

What is an epithet simple definition?

Definition of epithet

1a : a characterizing word or phrase accompanying or occurring in place of the name of a person or thing. b : a disparaging or abusive word or phrase. c : the part of a taxonomic name identifying a subordinate unit within a genus.

What is an example of epithet in poetry?

A more common use of a fixed epithet is known as a nickname or sobriquet. Example: In The Odyssey, Homer refers to Odysseus many times as “son of Laertes,” Penelope as “wife of Odysseus,” Eurymachus as “son of Polybus,” and Zeus as “king of kings.”

Epithets in Literature

What are some examples of epithets?

A girl's name is Marilynn, but her parents call her Lynn. Her sister calls her Mary. And her friends call her Merry-go-round when she's being silly. Lynn, Mary, and Merry-go-round are all epithets, or special nicknames that replace the name of a person and often describe them in some way.

What is an epithet in epic poetry?

epithet, adjective or phrase that is used to express a characteristic of a person or thing, such as Ivan the Terrible. In literature, the term is considered an element of poetic diction, something that distinguishes the language of poetry from ordinary language.

What is the purpose of epithets?

Epithets make a text more meaningful. They allow writers to describe characters and settings with more vivid, figurative language and can help paint a better picture for readers using just a few words. Epithets make sentences stronger and more vibrant, especially in poetry.

What is an epithet in the Iliad?

Updated on October 28, 2019. Usually called an epithet or a Homeric epithet, but sometimes called a Homeric epitaph, it is one of the most noticeable features of Homer's works the Iliad and the Odyssey. Epithet comes from the Greek for putting (something) on (something).

What is an epithet in Beowulf?

Epithet Examples in Beowulf

An epithet is a descriptive word or phrase taking the place of the actual name, almost like a new title. It adds a flowery element to the poem, making it even more powerful and beautiful.

What is your epithet?

An epithet (from Ancient Greek ἐπίθετον (epítheton) 'adjective', from ἐπίθετος (epíthetos) 'additional') is a byname, or a descriptive term (word or phrase), accompanying or occurring in place of a name and having entered common usage.

What is the difference between Kenning and epithet?

Kenning: A compound word describing and/or substituting for a noun or a name. Epithet: Adjective or a descriptive phrase expressing a quality or characteristic of a person. Figurative Language: Phrases including all parts of speech that emphasize a quality or puts an image in your mind.

What is an example of an epithet in The Odyssey?

An example of an epithet used in The Odyssey include describing Olympian gods and the titular character of Odysseus. Homer also uses epithets to describe the setting of his story, like describing the raging waves of the ocean as a "wine-dark sea".

What are epithets in Greek mythology?

In classical Greek or European medieval literature, an epithet is a descriptive term (word or phrase) accompanying or occurring in place of a name. This term indicates the qualities of a character, usually a hero or a god.

What is Zeus's epithet?

AETNAEUS (Aitnaios), an epithet given to several gods and mythical beings connected with Mount Aetna, such as Zeus, of whom there was a statue on mount Aetna, and to whom a festival was celebrated there, called Aetnaea (Schol. ad Pind.

What is Odysseus epithet?

In Books 9–12 Odysseus himself narrates his adventures to his hosts and audience, the Phaeacians, giving him the epithet “the great teller of tales.” Like the poem itself, the shape of Odysseus's narrative is not straightforward, but has many twists and turns, starting in the middle and doubling back on itself.

What is an epithet in the Odyssey Book 9?

Odysseus doesn't simply utter his name; rather, he attaches to it an epithet, or short, descriptive title (“raider of cities”), his immediate paternal ancestry (“Laertes's son”), and a reference to his homeland (“who makes his home in Ithaca”) ( 9 .

What is the opposite of epithet?

Opposite of a disrespectful or scornfully abusive remark or act. compliment. flattery. praise. appreciation.

How do you create an epithet?

Is epithet a figurative language?

Epithet is a phrase or adjective which is used to express a quality or characteristic which can be attributed, rightly or wrongly to a person or thing. An epithet is a form of figurative language which can be used in spoken conversation and written work to create a more dramatic effect.

Why are epithets important in The Iliad?

These are used throughout the long epic poem to help listeners and readers follow along and keep the individual characters distinct, as well as to highlight the relationships between them. The epithets also serve to heighten the language of the poem and give it a distinct style.

What are Homeric epithets?

Homeric epithets are characteristic terms used to distinguish important people, places, and things in The Iliad and The Odyssey. Often translated as hyphenated adjectives, they help readers keep track of the many characters in these vast epics.

What are two of Odysseus epithets?

Familiar Homeric Epithet examples include phrases like “rosy fingered dawn” and “wine dark sea,” “white-armed Hera,” and Odysseus “the great teller of tales.”

What is Circe's epithet?

One of her Homeric epithets is polypharmakos, "knowing many drugs or charms".

What is kennings give 5 examples?

Kennings Related to People

Bear shirt = Norse warrior. Bringer of rings = chieftain or king. Children of battle = soldiers. Feller of life-webs = slayer.