Epic Poetry/Glossary

Overview	Definition	Characteristics	Culture	Heroes	Epics	Glossary

The following vocabulary is important in the study of the epic. This is just a glossary that gives a general idea of the term; further research is always encouraged.

Aoidos

The aoidos was a singer or bard who composed and performed epic poems orally, often accompanying themselves on a musical instrument such as a lyre. The aoidos was primarily responsible for the composition and performance of epic poetry, and they were highly respected for their skill and creativity. The most famous example of an aoidos in Greek literature is Homer, who is credited with composing the Iliad and the Odyssey.

Apostrophe

Literally “turning away”, it’s the narrator’s interruption of the narration to directly address to a character or some abstract quality as if it was present. The rhapsode’s traditional invocation to the muse in epic poetry is an example of apostrophe. See “O My Rider.”

Arete

The excellence or moral virtue of a hero. Arete is the highest human potential or virtue.

Aristeia

Literally “excellence,” this is when an epic hero reaches his finest moments in battle.

Aristoi

The “best people,” the nobility or aristocrats. Sharing the same root as arete, the aristos are the heroes of the Homeric epics.

Dactylic hexameter

The meter of epic poetry has six dactyl (a long and two short syllables) feet. This provides the musical rhythm of the verse.

Epithet

Formulaic units used as mnemonic aids and a way to adhere to dactylic hexameter, epithets described characters or things using a characteristic quality, like the “wily Odysseus” or “Pallas Athena.” Homer often used compound adjectives as epithets, like “wine-dark sea” and “rosy-fingered dawn” called Homeric epithets.

Kleos

Kleos is glory or fame earned through heroic deeds. Kleos is closely tied to aristeia, as a warrior’s moment of excellence in battle contributes to their kleos. Kleos is an important motivator for many heroic characters in epic poetry, as they seek to earn a lasting legacy through their deeds.

Paideia

The ideal of education in the Greek state meant to instill values of the aristoi, both body and mind.

Polymêtis

Cunning intelligence, or “with many wiles”: with polytropos, another of Odysseus’ epithets. This is Odysseus the strategist.

Polytropos

“Versatile” or with “many twists and turns”: the chief epithet of Odysseus. As Hexter points out, Odysseus’ “creative cunning and manifold misfortunes” are represented by the many poly- adjectives Homer employs to describe him: “Flexibility, adaptability, and trickiness belong to the core of Odysseus’ being.”

Rhapsode

The rhapsode was a performer who recited or chanted epic poetry that had already been composed by an aoidos or other poet. The rhapsode was responsible for the interpretation and presentation of the epic poem, often performing it in front of an audience at festivals, competitions, or other public events. The rhapsode was considered an important interpreter and transmitter of epic poetry, and they were highly valued for their skill in performing and conveying the meaning of the poem. Homer’s depiction of Demodocus in the Odyssey is an rhapsode.

Xenia

The code of hospitality or “guest-friendship” exemplified by a pattern of behaviors and expectations between the host and the guest.

Works Cited

• Cuddon, J. A. (1976). A Dictionary of Literary Terms (Revised ed.). New York: Penguin.
• Frye, Northrup; Baker, Sheridan; Perkins, George; Perkins, Barbara M. (1997). The Harper Handbook to Literature (Second ed.). New York: Longman.
• Harmon, William; Holman, Hugh (2003). A Handbook to Literature (Ninth ed.). Upper Saddle Creek, NJ: Prentice Hall.
• Hexter, Ralph (1993). A Guide to the Odyssey. New York: Vintage.
• Kennedy, X. J.; Giola, Dana; Bauerlein, Mark (2013). Handbook of Literary Terms: Literature, Language, Theory. Boston: Pearson.