From Achilles to Odysseus: Character-Driven Vocabulary in Homeric Greek

Why Learn Vocabulary Through Characters?

Homeric Greek isn’t just a language - it’s a narrative. The Iliad and Odyssey are built on characters whose actions define the vocabulary. If you’re going to memorise words, you might as well attach them to Achilles’ rage or Odysseus’ cunning. It sticks better.

Achilles: The Anger Vocabulary

Achilles is all about wrath, pride, and swift violence. Here’s the vocab you’ll need to channel him:

μῆνις

/mɛ̂ː.nis/

“wrath”

Divine, all-consuming rage. The first word of the Iliad, and the force that drives the plot.

ἀριστεύς

/a.ris.těu̯s/

“best, champion”

The top warrior. Achilles is the aristos Achaion - best of the Greeks.

θυμός

/tʰy.mós/

“spirit, anger”

The seat of emotion, often violent. Achilles’ thymos burns hotter than most.

Pro tip: If you’re going to memorise one word from Achilles’ arc, make it μῆνις. It’s the cornerstone of the Iliad.

Odysseus: The Cunning Vocabulary

Odysseus survives through brains, not just brawn. His vocabulary is about deception, endurance, and homecoming.

πολύτροπος

/po.lý.tro.pos/

“much-turning, versatile”

The first epithet of Odysseus. Literally ‘many-turning’ - referring to his cunning and adaptability.

δόλος

/dó.los/

“trick, guile”

The art of deception. Odysseus’ signature move, from the Trojan Horse to fooling Polyphemus.

νόστος

/nós.tos/

“homecoming”

The central theme of the Odyssey. Not just a physical return, but a reclaiming of identity.

Hector: The Noble Doomed

Hector is the tragic counterpoint to Achilles - honourable, dutiful, and doomed. His vocabulary reflects his role as Troy’s defender.

ἕκτωρ

/hék.tɔːr/

“Hector (holder, defender)”

His name literally means ‘holder’ or ‘protector’. Fitting for the man who carries Troy’s hopes.

αἰδώς

/ai̯.dɔ̌ːs/

“shame, honour”

The social obligation to act with honour. Hector’s driving force, even when he knows he’ll lose.

Other Key Figures

Agamemnon: ἀναξ (lord, king) - the leader of the Greeks, for better or worse.
Penelope: περίφρων (circumspect, wise) - her epithet emphasises her intelligence and patience.
Paris: ἀλεξάνδρος (defender of men) - ironic, given his role in dooming Troy.

How to Use This

Don’t just memorise the words - read the passages they appear in. The Iliad and Odyssey are full of repetition, so you’ll see these terms again and again. Context is king.

Want more Homeric Greek? Check out Hidden Gems: 10 Lesser-Known Words in Homeric Greek or Deciphering Homeric Greek Epithets.