Homeric Epithet The Iliad/Trojan War

Epic Poetry Greek (and Latin) epic poetry is written in a meter called dactylic hexameter meter. In addition to meter, the poet uses lofty, descriptive language. It’s truly “epic” both in size and tone. Roman schoolchildren used the Iliad, Odyssey, and Aeneid as “textbooks” for reading, writing, and important lessons like ethics, religion, etc.

What is an Epithet? An epithet is a descriptive word or a phrase that a writer frequently connects to a certain character. In epic poems such as the Iliad and the Odyssey, it adds description and also helps the poet complete the number of syllables needed for that line of poetry. Sometimes epithets are hyphenated in English because just one English word can’t translate the original Greek word

swift-footed Achilles

wide-ruling Agamemnon

red-haired Menelaus

Hector, breaker of horses

white-armed Andromache

Paris, son of Priam

lovely-haired Helen

great-hearted Odysseus

wide-seeing Zeus

ox-eyed Hera

gray-eyed Athena

silver-footed Thetis

stallion-breaking Trojans

long-haired Achaeans strong-greaved Achaeans bronze- cloaked Achaeans Achaeans = “Greeks”

Let’s read… In your groups, read the selection from the Iliad provided Find as many examples of epithets as you can and highlight them.

Your Turn! Create your own epic epithets, following the Homeric model. You will create 3 epithets: One for yourself One for a family member or pet One for a friend N.B.: Epithets cannot be hurtful or inappropriate. Stay classy! (Mrs. Sellers is the final authority on this issue.) Your epithets can be single words, phrases, or hyphenated words. Each epithet should be illustated on a 1/3 sheet of construction paper.