Epithets in the Iliad: A Psychoanalytical Approach

Abstract

Homer used epithets in order to demonstrate more qualitative attributes of the characters of the epic. Epithets provide a rhythmic approach, that works as a beautifier of a literary work while assisting readers to live on the major characters and plots of the piece. The hero of the Iliad, Achilles, is designated as 'swift-footed' and 'like to the gods' to illustrate his role in the Greek army. Homer used epithets for mortals and also for deities like, Athena is called 'the hope of the soldiers' while Thetis is known as the 'silver-footed'. Besides that, the slave girl of Achilles, also got titles, the 'fair-cheeked' and the 'fair-haired', in order to illustrate her beauty that caught the eyes of Achilles, who considers her as his better half. As literature is the reflection of society through the imagination of the laureate (psychology), thus the uniqueness of being a fast runner, and refraining from the war due to his withdrawal from Briseis, represent instances of id, ego, and super-ego (psychological aspects). Such elements are envisaged throughout the literary work. Therefore, the primary motive of the paper is to discuss the use of epithets in the Iliad through the lens of psychology. That is, each character, whether it is mortal or deity or demi-god, whatsoever, the instances of id, ego, and superego have been analyzed. To accomplish the prime objective of the paper, secondary sources like journals, Online articles, and other sources available over the Internet are being used. Besides that, as a primary source, the understandings of the authors are used.