Use of Epithets In Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey Essay

Use of Epithets In Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey Throughout The Iliad and The Odyssey, Homer’s use of the epithet in describing Odysseus becomes essential as a means of characterizing the hero. Homer uses several epithets, or nicknames, along with the name â€Å"Odysseus† as the story unfolds in both tales. Three of these include the descriptive epithet â€Å"wily Odysseus,† the laudative epithet â€Å"Odysseus, the great tactician,† and the patronymic epithet â€Å"Odysseus Laertiades.† Besides their obvious descriptive qualities, each of these epithets function to amplify, enhance, or characterize the hero. Although the epithet â€Å"wily Odysseus† serves a descriptive purpose, it also serves other purposes as well. Actually, this epithet†¦show more content†¦After Penelope is sent away by Telemachus, Athena suddenly appears amidst a bright light before him and Odysseus. The young, brash Telemachus nearly cried out, giving her presence away to others in the house of Odysseus, but Odysseus stopped him, saying, â€Å"Be still: keep still about it: just remember it. The gods who rule Olympus make this light† (Odyssey 354). Here, Odysseus’ quick, yet tactful reply to Telemachus perhaps saved the day, and Telemachus, because he didn’t feel ashamed at his father’s response to his foolishness, maintained his bravery and focused upon the task at hand. Indeed, while the first two examples of epithets seem similar in their descriptive purposes, the last epithet, â€Å"Odysseus Laertiades,† is different in that it is a patronymic epithet. In other words, Laertiades indicates the identity of Odysseus’ father, Laertes. This epithet seems to be used most when Odysseus is addressed formally by another character. One reason for this use might be to qualify Odysseus for respect; although Odysseus is a king himself, he is also the son of another king, Laertes. His pedigree demanded respect, and when he is addressed by this name, it is usually when being approached by others of similar rank and/or status. One such instance occurred in The Iliad when Odysseus and Ajax were sent to persuade Achilles to join the war. After Odysseus’ voiced the Achaeans wishes, Achilles, who was of anShow MoreRelated A Comparison of Homeric Formalism in The Iliad and The Odyssey1339 Words   |  6 PagesHomeric Formalism in The Iliad and The Odyssey Much that is terrible takes place in the Homeric poems, but it seldom takes place wordlessly... no speech is so filled with anger or scorn that the particles which express logical and grammatical connections are lacking or out of place. 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