Best Epithet Examples in Literature

An epithet is a descriptive or nickname term that is added to the name of someone, which becomes a part of common usage. In Greek, the words mean added and are a good rhetorical device when it describes the characters for the readers. Even though modern usage of epithets is taken to be derogatory and literary epithets are a crucial aspect of literature. Now, let’s take a look at the best epithet examples in Literature.

Fixed Epithet

In long literary pieces, the author might repeat the epithet, which shows the character and various scenes. A common use of fixed epithet is sobriquet or nickname.

Homer in The Odyssey refers to Odysseus as ‘son of Laertes’, several times and Zeus as ‘kings of kings’.

Derogatory Epithet

Disparaging or negative epithet takes on different forms, from homophobic, racial, and ethnic slurs to teasing nicknames. Unlike all euphemisms, derogatory terms are for insulting a group or an opponent without directly mentioning their targeted characteristics.

Another kind of epithet is kenning which is a two-word or compound metaphorical expression replacing a noun. You will generally find it in Old Norse or Old English work.

In Beowulf, you will find many examples of Kenning epithets, including ‘Sail Road’ or ‘wound-sea’

Archetypal Epithets in Literature

There are some epithets, which are perfect qualifiers and become archetypes of their own. Irrespective of having their own source materials, these descriptions can be found in various works of literature. In some cases, you will also find them in political movements.

Epithets are of different types and you will find them in many essays. If you take a look at the essays in Top Essay Writing, you will find many epithets. These are professional writers who know how to use epithets in their essays.

Star-Crossed Lovers

In the world of Literature, Romeo and Juliet are taken to be star-crossed lovers, the epithet means that they are a couple who are meant to fail or their future is ill-fated.

He Who Must Not be Named

At times, an epithet might be silent, for instance, Rumpelstiltskin the nameless gold-spinner. The pressure here is to refrain from taking the name of the antagonist as characters depend on some nontraditional epithets.

A good example of this is the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling where Voldemort, the dreaded villain of the wizard world is called ‘He Who Must Not Be Named.’