The Odyssey

What are epithets in literature?

What would be the epithets for Odysseus and Gilgamesh?

Asked by
Last updated by SirCity
Answers 1
Add Yours

Epithets are descriptive phrases used to characterize someone. In the Odyssey, my favorite has always been "grey-eyed goddess," which is used for Athena. The poem is full of examples. Homer uses it more than he doesn't, probably because it allowed him to control line rhythm while singing the poem.