Homeric epithets are those recurring descriptive phrases attached to characters in the Iliad and Odyssey – think ‘grey-eyed Athena’ or ‘rosy-fingered Dawn’. They’re not just poetic filler; they serve as mnemonic devices, character shorthand, and cultural markers. Here are 10 of the most common heroic epithets, decoded.
1. ποδάρκης δῖος Ἀχιλλεύς (podárkēs dîos Akhilleús)
ποδάρκης δῖος Ἀχιλλεύς
/po.dár.kɛːs dîː.os a.kʰil.lěu̯s/“Swift-footed, divine Achilles”
Achilles’ most famous epithet emphasises his speed, a key trait in battle. The ‘divine’ part nods to his semi-divine lineage (his mother was the nymph Thetis).
2. πολύμητις Ὀδυσσεύς (polýmētis Odusseús)
πολύμητις Ὀδυσσεύς
/po.lý.mɛː.tis o.dys.sěu̯s/“Much-devising Odysseus”
Odysseus’ cunning is legendary, and this epithet hammers it home. From the Trojan Horse to outwitting Polyphemus, his brain is his greatest weapon.
3. κορυθαίολος Ἕκτωρ (koruthaíolos Héktōr)
κορυθαίολος Ἕκτωρ
/ko.ry.tʰǎi.o.los hék.tɔːr/“Hector of the shining helmet”
Troy’s greatest defender is often described by his gleaming helmet, a symbol of his martial prowess and status. The epithet also contrasts with Achilles’ focus on speed.
4. διογενὴς Λαερτιάδης (diogenḕs Laertiádēs)
διογενὴς Λαερτιάδης
/di.o.ɡe.nɛ̀ːs laː.er.ti.á.dɛːs/“God-born son of Laertes”
Another Odysseus epithet, highlighting his divine ancestry (through his grandfather Autolycus, a son of Hermes) and his mortal father, Laertes.
5. μέγας Τελαμώνιος Αἴας (mégas Telamṓnios Aías)
μέγας Τελαμώνιος Αἴας
/mé.ɡas te.la.mɔ̌ː.ni.os ǎi.as/“Great Ajax, son of Telamon”
Ajax the Greater’s epithet stresses his physical size and strength. The ‘son of Telamon’ distinguishes him from Ajax the Lesser, a lesser (and less heroic) figure.
6. ἱππότα Νέστωρ (hippóta Néstōr)
ἱππότα Νέστωρ
/hip.pó.ta nés.tɔːr/“Horseman Nestor”
Nestor, the aged king of Pylos, is often called ‘horseman’, a nod to his skill in chariotry and his role as a wise advisor (horses being symbols of nobility and experience).
7. βοὴν ἀγαθὸς Διομήδης (boḕn agathòs Diomḗdēs)
βοὴν ἀγαθὸς Διομήδης
/bo.ɛ̀ːn a.ɡa.tʰòs di.o.mɛ́.dɛːs/“Diomedes, good at the war-cry”
Diomedes, one of the mightiest Greek warriors, is praised for his battlefield presence. The ‘war-cry’ epithet suggests both his ferocity and his ability to rally troops.
8. εὐρύκρεων Ἀγαμέμνων (eurýkreōn Agamémnōn)
εὐρύκρεων Ἀγαμέμνων
/eu̯.rý.kre.ɔːn a.ɡa.mém.nɔːn/“Wide-ruling Agamemnon”
Agamemnon’s epithet reflects his status as the overlord of the Greek forces. ‘Wide-ruling’ underscores his authority, though Homer doesn’t shy from showing his flaws.
9. θεοειδὴς Πάτροκλος (theoeidḕs Pátroklos)
θεοειδὴς Πάτροκλος
/tʰe.o.eː.dɛ̀ːs pá.tro.klos/“Godlike Patroclus”
Patroclus’ beauty and virtue earn him this epithet. The ‘godlike’ quality foreshadows his tragic fate and Achilles’ vengeance.
10. γλαυκῶπις Ἀθήνη (glaukôpis Athḗnē)
γλαυκῶπις Ἀθήνη
/ɡlau̯.kɔ̂ː.pis a.tʰɛ̌ː.nɛː/“Bright-eyed Athena”
Though not a hero, Athena’s epithet is too iconic to omit. ‘Bright-eyed’ (or ‘grey-eyed’) suggests keen intelligence and vigilance, fitting for the goddess of wisdom and war.
Epithets aren’t just decorative. They’re keys to understanding character traits, narrative themes, and even the oral tradition behind Homer’s works. For more on Homeric Greek, check out our guide on Homeric Greek meter or common translation pitfalls.
