Homeric Epithet The IliadTrojan War Epic Poetry Greek

Homeric Epithet The Iliad/Trojan War

Epic Poetry • Greek (and Latin) epic poetry is written in a meter called dactylic hexameter. • 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 strong-greaved Achaeans bronzecloaked 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.