Editor's Choice
What are examples of epic hero, epic simile, and epithet in The Odyssey Books 10 and 11?
Quick answer:
Examples of epithets in Books 10 and 11 of The Odyssey include "fair-haired Circe," "Hermes of the golden wand," and "High-born son of Laertes" for Odysseus. These descriptors highlight key traits or lineage. Odysseus' status as an epic hero is emphasized by Circe's recognition of him as a legendary figure. An epic simile occurs when King Alcinous compares Odysseus to a skilled bard, praising his storytelling abilities as akin to a talented poet.
When Odysseus reaches Aeaea, Circe's home, he refers to her as "fair-haired Circe"; fair-haired is an example of an epithet. When Odysseus describes how Hermes approached him as he went toward Circe's house to see what had become of his men, he refers to Hermes as "Hermes of the golden wand," and the words, of the golden wand, also constitute an epithet. Further, one epithet often used to describe Odysseus, which Circe uses as well, is "High-born son of Laertes."
Circe's language toward Odysseus helps to demonstrate his position as an epic hero . She says, "'Surely you are adventurous Odysseus, who the god of the golden wand, the killer of Argus, always declared would come upon his way from Troy—he and his swift black ship." Odysseus is clearly already legendary if immortals are speaking to one another of him and prophesying his movements, and so...
Unlock
This Answer NowStart your 48-hour free trial and get ahead in class. Boost your grades with access to expert answers and top-tier study guides. Thousands of students are already mastering their assignments—don't miss out. Cancel anytime.
Already a member? Log in here.
forth. (Also, "the killer of Argus" is anotherepithet to describe Hermes.)
In Book XI, King Alcinous tells Odysseus, "you have a grace of word and a noble mind within, and you told your tale as skillfully as if you were a bard, relating all the Argives' and your own sore troubles." In this epic simile, Alcinous compares Odysseus to a singer or poet, like Demoducus (or even Homer!): quite talented as a story-teller who can engage his audience and make them feel the emotions of the characters.