epitheton

Epitheton is a term used in rhetoric and literary studies to refer to a descriptive word or phrase attached to a noun, especially a person's name, to highlight a characteristic or quality. In classical epic poetry, epithets often appear in formulaic form and serve to characterize speakers, heroes, or objects, while also aiding oral composition and memorization.

Etymology and scope: The word comes from the Greek epitheton, derived from epi- “upon” and the verb tithemi “to place.” In Latin, it is termed epitheton. In scholarly usage, epitheton can refer to any descriptive epithet, but the phrase epitheton ornans specifically denotes a fixed, ornamental epithet that ornaments a proper name or noun and recurs across passages, as in epic traditions.

Function and examples: Epitheta frequently precede or accompany the noun they describe, creating a vivid image and providing metrical or mnemonic support for oral narration. In Homeric poetry, famous examples include “rosy-fingered Dawn,” “wine-dark sea,” and “swift-footed Achilles.” These phrases do not merely describe; they stylize and unify the character or object within the poem’s world.

Types and usage: Epithets can be ornamental (epitheton ornans) or descriptive, sometimes becoming conventional across a work or tradition. They may be attached to names to emphasize identity, attributes, or status. In modern criticism, epithets are studied as devices that shape perception, establish voice, and contribute to the texture of the text, beyond mere description.

See also: epithet, Homeric epithet, epitheton ornans.