Epithets are descriptive bynames used to express quality characteristics. When used in relation to the gods, epithets tend to denote location or function. Other times they take on a decorative quality.
Examples of epithets that indicate location:
Zeus Nemeios, or “Zeus of Nemea.”
Hera Argeia, or “Hera of Argos.”
Aphrodite Kypris, or “Aphrodite of Cyprus.”
Examples of epithets that indicate function:
Zeus Ombrios is a deliverer of rain.
Hera Teleia presides over marriage rites.
Aphrodite Nikephoros is a bringer of victory.
Examples of decorative or poetic epithets:
Zeus is popularly called “The Thunderer.”
Hera Boopis tells us that she has cow eyes.
Aphrodite is called both golden and shapely.
Simply put, epithets help us differentiate between the many faces of the gods.
Using Haides as an example, I might invoke him as “Haides Polysemantor,” the ruler of many. As Polysemantor, Haides acts as king of the dead, and this instantiation of him will be concerned strictly with matters that involve that specialized role.
Similarly, if my friend invokes him as Haides Plouton, he’d be fulfilling a specialized role as the god of agrarian wealth. Both Haides Polysemantor and Haides Plouton can be identified as the same god, but the use of epithets makes it clear that they have wildly different spheres of influence.
HOW I MAKE SENSE OF EPITHETS ― UPG
When white light passes through a prism, it’s split into seven distinct wavelengths (i.e., the colors of the rainbow). This phenomenon is called dispersion, and I’ve been using it as a means of explaining epithets (especially the seemingly contradictory ones). For instance, how can Hera exist as Khera (Widow) in Arkadia and as the wife of Zeus elsewhere?
Well, when a god that prevails over a large sphere of influence (white light) passes through a medium (our consciousness), they’re split into specific waves that are easier to see and understand. These waves, or epithets, have their own mythologies, competences, and even places where they reside.
WHERE CAN I FIND THE EPITHETS?
Theoi.com has a wonderful collection of epithets that can be found at the bottom of each god’s cult page! :)
