Epithets: How Descriptions Enhance Narratives

All writers use tools and techniques to add flavor to their writing. Otherwise, their work can get boring. But while some of these tools are flashy, others are simple additions that add to already solid foundations.

One such tool is the epithet. By capturing the essential characteristics of a character, place, or object into brief descriptions, you immediately give readers an idea about these elements.

What is an Epithet?

An epithet (also known as a byname) is a literary device that is used to describe a person, place, or thing by accompanying or replacing them with a descriptive word or phrase. It is similar to a nickname, such as The Man of Steel, The Land Down Under, and daddy longlegs.

It highlights certain traits in a particular subject, making them more prominent than they actually are. Repeated often enough, they can replace the subject entirely without confusing your reader. For example, people immediately get that “man’s best friend” refers to dogs.

Sometimes, epithets are necessary when distinguishing people with the same names. Charles the Bald is a different king from Charles the Fat. People can also share the same epithet, such as Alexander the Great and Catherine the Great.

In literature, epithets are used as memory aids that help readers connect better with a story. It makes certain elements more familiar and easier to decipher. In C.S. Lewis’s The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, Peter is called “the Magnificent”, Susan is “the Gentle”, Edmund is “the Just”, and Lucy is “the Valiant.” Each is a core characteristic of the particular sibling.

It can also be used to convey symbolism, imagery, or irony. Depending on how it is used, an epithet may signify something deeper about an element in a story.

The term comes from the Greek word “epitheton”, meaning added or attributed. Its adjective form is “epithetic”.

Types of Epithets

There are many kinds of epithets, with each one having its own use and effect on the element it modifies. Check them out below.

1. Fixed epithet

Also called a Homeric epithet, this type is most often used in epic poetry. A word or phrase is repetitively used to refer to the same person, place, or object.

In Homer’s case, his poems were always meant to be recited than read. And so epithets were used to help readers keep track of characters and remind them of certain things. In the Odyssey, Odysseus is always called “a man of twists and turns” for his adaptability and quick thinking.

Helen of Troy is frequently called “that shining woman”, to distinguish her beauty from other mortal women. Athena is referred to as “the daughter of Zeus” and “Pallas Athena”.

2. Argumentative epithet

Argumentative epithets, as their names state, are commonly used in arguments. They hint at warnings and possible outcomes in a succinct way.

During an argument about conflict, a speaker might say, “We should have already learned from two World Wars.” It alludes to how major conflicts haven’t brought anything good to the world.

The use of past events drives home a point more forcefully than when the argument is stated at length. And that similar consequences may occur if things aren’t changed.

3. Kenning

Kennings are two-word phrases that metaphorically describe an object. Figurative language is used rather than direct descriptions. This kind of epithet is often found in works of Old English and Old Norse.

Some examples are:

• “Whale road” for sea
• “Battle-sweat” for blood
• “Sky-candle” for the sun
• “Four-eyes” for someone who wears glasses
• “Motormouth” for someone who talks a lot and/or rapidly
• “Thor’s laughter” for thunder

Examples in Literature

Because of their powerful effects, a lot of literary works use epithets to enhance their prose or poetry. Here are a few examples:

1. Paradise Lost by John Milton

Did I request thee, Maker, from my clay
To mould me man? Did I solicit thee
From darkness to promote me?

Hail Son of God, Saviour of Men, thy Name
Shall be the copious matter of my Song
Henceforth, and never shall my Harp thy praise
Forget, nor from thy Father’s praise disjoin.

“Maker” and “Father” are used to refer to God, while “Son of God” and “Saviour of Men” refers to Jesus Christ. These four epithets are not only used to identify the two figure’s divinity but also to exalt them.

2. Lord of the Flies by William Golding

Piggy’s arms and legs twitched a bit, like a pig’s after it has been killed.

Being overweight, a boy is named “Piggy” by the others stranded on the island. But as the story goes on, the supposedly surface-level meaning of the name goes ever deeper. His humanity is lessened by the happenings on the island, and he easily dies like a pig sent to slaughter.

3. Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare

From forth the fatal loins of these two foes

A pair of star-cross’d lovers take their life;

Whose misadventured piteous overthrows

Do with their death bury their parents’ strife

Shakespeare uses the term “star-cross’d” to describe the relationship between the two lovers. They are in love, but it is a difficult love—to the point that they may as well be as distant from one another as the stars.

4. Egil’s Saga by Snorri Sturluson

King Harald inherited the titles of his father Halfdan the Black and swore an oath not to cut or comb his hair until he had become sole king of Norway. He was called Harald Tangle-hair and became known as Fair-hair after unifying Norway.

In Viking culture, sons often took on their fathers’ names as surnames. This has made epithets necessary to distinguish one person from another when telling stories. And so King Harald was better known by his epithet rather than his real name.

5. The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien

“Radagast the Brown!” laughed Saruman, and he no longer concealed his scorn. “Radagast the Bird-Tamer! Radagast the Simple! Radagast the Fool! Yet he had just the wit to play the part that I set him. For you have come, and that was all the purpose of my message. And here you will stay, Gandalf the Grey, and rest from journeys. For I am Saruman the Wise, Saruman Ring-Maker, Saruman of Many Colours!”

Each wizard in the series is known by a characteristic color. Saruman (as the chief and most powerful of them) wears white, while Gandalf wears grey, Radagast dons brown, and two others dress in blue. Later on, Gandalf reemerged as “the white”, signifying his increase in power.

Enhancing Stories Through Description

Epithets aren’t just adjectives connected to specific elements of a story. Adjectives only describe an object; epithets form an association between a descriptor and the thing it describes.

For example, a hunter might be called “sharp” not only because they’ve honed their instincts and senses through their trade, but also because they embody this sharpness. It doesn’t matter whether they’re currently hunting or not, the descriptor applies to them all the time.

In a story setting, when used frequently enough, readers begin to view this character as someone with incredible perception skills. Used wisely, this kind of association gives them a better image of what a character is, cementing certain attributes of the character in their mind.

Take it a step further by using words that express emotion rather than describing it. Instead of “sharp”, call the hunter a “wolf”. It paints a more vivid image (a wolf), gives a reason for your audience to believe you (wolves have sharp senses), and evokes a strong emotional response (wolves are fierce and scary).

What epithets from literature have stuck to your mind? Share them in the comments below!

If you enjoyed this post, then you might also like:

• The Isocolon: How Parallels Improve Your Writing
• Synecdoche: Calling a Whole by Its Parts
• Epistrophe: Definition, Examples, and Related Terms
• What Is Antithesis? Learn How It Is Used To Create Emphasis