Homeric Epithet

1
Homeric Epithet

• The Iliad/Trojan War

2
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.
• Its 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.

3
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 cant translate the
  original Greek word

4
swift-footed Achilles
5
wide-ruling Agamemnon
6
red-haired Menelaus
7
Hector, breaker of horses
8
white-armed Andromache
9
Paris, son of Priam
10
lovely-haired Helen
11
great-hearted Odysseus
12
wide-seeing Zeus
13
ox-eyed Hera
14
gray-eyed Athena
15
silver-footed Thetis
16
stallion-breaking Trojans
17
long-haired Achaeans
strong-greaved Achaeans
bronze- cloaked Achaeans
Achaeans Greeks
18
Lets read

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

19
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.