worldwithinworld:

When you are writing a story and refer to a character by a physical trait, occupation, age, or any other attribute, rather than that character’s name, you are bringing the reader’s attention to that particular attribute. That can be used quite effectively to help your reader to focus on key details with just a few words. However, if the fact that the character is “the blond,” “the magician,” “the older woman,” etc. is not relevant to that moment in the story, this will only distract the reader from the purpose of the scene. 

If your only reason for referring to a character this way is to avoid using his or her name or a pronoun too much, don’t do it. You’re fixing a problem that actually isn’t one. Just go ahead and use the name or pronoun again. It’ll be good.

What is an Epithet?

Divine epithets crop up in even the most shallow dive into Ancient Greek religion and prayer. According to Merriam-Webster, an epithet is “a characterizing word or phrase accompanying or occurring in place of the name of a person or thing”. Most epithets come after the name of the god or goddess, but there are exceptions to this rule (like Φοῖβος Apollon, or Phoibos/Phoebus Apollon).

Types of Epithets

When it comes to divinities, there are two types of epithets: toponymic and functional. A toponymic epithet is a place-name (ex: Apollon Δηλιος, or Apollon of Delos). A functional epithet describes a specific aspect or association of the deity in question (ex: Apollon Αλεξικακος, or Apollon Alexikakos, who was called upon to avert evil).

How were Epithets Used?

Epithets were generally used during prayer and sacrifice to specify the particular aspect of the god one was sacrificing to- you wouldn’t want to call upon Apollon in his plague aspect when you were praying for healing! In The Iliad, we can see an example of prayer using epithets when Chryses prays to Apollon (1.43-49). He describes Apollon as “God of the Silver Bow” and “Smintheus, god of the plague”. Both of these are functional epithets that describe Apollon and his plague aspect.

Are Epithets Important?

Generally, epithets are heavily used in prayers. However, the Theoi will NOT punish or ignore you for using the wrong epithet. There is only one documented case in which someone suffers because they sacrificed to the wrong aspect of a god: in Xenophon’s Anabasis, Xenophon is warned by a seer that he is suffering bad financial luck because he is only sacrificing to Zeus Βασιλευς (Basileus) and neglected Zeus Μειλιχιος (Meilikhios).

Conclusion

Personally, I use the tricolon style of prayer prevalent in Ancient Greek literature. However, it is my personal opinion that you have the liberty of deviating outside the general “formula” of prayer, and this freedom is protected by the cycle of Χάρις that you have built with the Theoi.

Sources:

Besides the sources I mentioned in the post (The Iliad and Anabasis), I referenced Simon Pulleyn’s Prayer in Greek Religion (which I highly recommend for people interested in the subject), and the article “Epithets, divine (Greece and Rome)” by Sylvain Lebreton. In addition, I used the Theoi.com articles on epithets of ApollonandZeus.

terpsikeraunos:

ancient greek word of the day: εὔχλοος(euchloos), fresh and green, epith. of Demeter

Aries:  Ἀλεξίκακος -  “Warding off evil”

Taurus:  Φοῖβος - “The bright one”

Gemini:  Λεσχηνόριος - “The talker”

Cancer:  Ἀκέστωρ - “Healer”

Leo:  Αἰγλήτης -  “Light of the sun”

Virgo:  Ἐπικούριος - “The one that aids”

Libra:  Μουσαγέτας - “Leader of the Muses”

Scorpio:  Λοξίας - “Ambiguous”

Sagittarius:  Λυκηγενής - “Born from a wolf”

Capricorn:  Ἀρχηγέτης - “Founder”

Aquarius:  Ἀφητόρος - “The one that lets loose”

Pisces:  Νυμφηγέτης - “Leader of the Nymphs”

winebrightruby:

There was some talk in the Hellenic skype chat of how epithets work and why you might worship a god under various epithets. This prompted me to think about the epithets I most often use for/engage with Athena. In the interest of maybe helping someone else, I figured I’d list out my most commonly used, to illustrate some of the range. These are not all of Athena’s epithets, by a very long shot. Rather, these are the epithets that I most often use in my prayers, offerings, and devotions to her:

• Athena Glaukopis: gray-eyed Athena. This is important to me 1) because I like the term “Glaukopis” and it works for me poetically; 2) because her gray eyes link her (imo) to Zeus’ storm-god role
  
• Tritogeneia: there’s no clear etymology for this epithet, but I use it for its poetic echoes.
• Pallas Athena: there’s no clear etymology/source on this one, and there’s a lot of contradictory myths. I use it because poetry and it’s been used for so long.
• Athena Kissaia: Athena of the growing ivy. A historical but locally applicable epithet.
• Athena Kyparissia: Athena of the cypress grove. A historical but locally applicable epithet.
• Athena Alektor: Athena of the rooster. The epithet I mutter at in the morning when I’m stumbling down to my car on my way to teaching; I associate this facet with early morning and with education/the act of ‘waking up’ someone to the truth.
  
• Athena Nike: victorious Athena. Self-explanatory?
• Athena Hippia/Athena Khalinitis: Athena of the horses/bridler of horses. Patron of the Fairgrounds. UPG is that she is particularly close to Poseidon and to Pegasus as this epithet.
• Athena Soteira: of her many, many “saving everybody” epithets, this is my preferred one – Athena Savior.
• Athena Ergane: Athena the Worker, the goddess of crafts and making things. I pray to Athena Ergane and dedicate work to her when I am making jewelry.
• Athena Paionia/Hygeia: Athena the Healer/of Good Health. I don’t have a relationship to speak of with Apollon, so I’ve gotta take healing where I can get it  :P
• Athena Apatouria: Athena the Liar, Athena the Deceiver, Athena the clever plotter.
• Athena Agoraia: Athena of the marketplace. I pray to her along with the other gods of the marketplace before major shopping trips or retail choices.
• Athena Chryssa: golden Athena. I use this epithet alongside Athena of the Tigers when I’m feeling fancier – I don’t know that it’s at all grammatically accurate, but I wanted a way to color her purple and/or gold for the face of her I celebrate at LSU
• Athena Mousaea: Athena of museums/libraries – I treated this as two separate epithets for a while, but I’m increasingly getting that it works for both locales, possibly because they are so close in attitude
• Athena Promakhorma: Athena, the Protector of the Anchorage. This is her role as harbor/port goddess, and I often use it in conjunction with my modern, more vague ‘Athena of the River’ when we are having storms.
• Athena of the rivers/River: what it sounds like, this is the Athena I pray to for engineering expertise for levees, canals, etc., and also the facet of her that was, y’know, born by the river
• Athena Anemotis: Athena of the winds, another epithet I use along the river and during our storms here. 
• Athena of the baton: Athena the patron of Baton Rouge, the capital city.
• Athena of the Tigers: Athena the patron of LSU specifically, born beneath the live oaks on campus (or what would one day be campus).
• Athena of the Acropolions: these are a particular set of lion statues on the bayou side of the peristyle in City Park, and I don’t really use it as an epithet, but I do pray to her specifically in this place.

Athena the Teacher: I didn’t put this one in the list because it’s not an epithet I use, but it is very definitely the role in which I most often pray to Athena. I just wanted to mention it – she is the goddess of wisdom, after all, and her role in mythology is largely helpful to humanity. She teaches skills, helps heroes, and dispenses good advice. I consider her my patron as an educator.

nymphei:

A

Ἀθηνᾶ Αγοραια – Athena Agoraia – of the Market-Place

Ἀθηνᾶ Αλαλκομενηις – Athena Alalkomenêis – Protectress

Ἀθηνᾶ Αλεα – Athena Alea – Escape (to Refuge)

Ἀθηνᾶ Αλεκτορ - Athena Alektor – Rooster

Ἀθηνᾶ Άλκις – Athena Alkis – the Strong

Ἀθηνᾶ Αμβουλια – Athena Amboulia – Counselor, of the Counsels

Ἀθηνᾶ Ανεμωτις – Athena Anemôtis – of the Winds

Ἀθηνᾶ Απατουρια – Athena Apatouria – of Deception, Deceiver

Ἀθηνᾶ Αρεια – Athena Areia – of War, Warlike

Ἀθηνᾶ Αξιοποινος – Athena Axiopoinos – Returning Vengeance

E 

Ἀθηνᾶ Εργανη – Athena Erganê – Worker

Ἀθηνᾶ Ερυμα – Athena Eryma – Defender

G

Ἀθηνᾶ Γοργολαφας – Athena Gorgolaphas – Gorgon-Crested

H

Ἀθηνᾶ Ἱππια – Athena Hippia – of the Horses

Ἀθηνᾶ Ὑγεια – Athena Hygeia – of Good Health

K

Ἀθηνᾶ Κελευθεια – Athena Keleutheia – of the Road

Ἀθηνᾶ Χαλινιτις – Athena Khalinitis – Bridler (of Horses)

Ἀθηνᾶ Κισσαια – Athena Kissaia – of the Growing Ivy

Ἀθηνᾶ Κοριη – Athena Koriê – Maiden

Ἀθηνᾶ Κορυφαγενης – Athena Koryphagenês – Born of the Head

Ἀθηνᾶ Κορυφασια – Athena Koryphasia – of the Head

Ἀθηνᾶ Κυπαρισσια – Athena Kyparissia – of the Cypress Grove

L

Ἀθηνᾶ Λειτις – Athena Leitis – Distributor of War Booty

M

Ἀθηνᾶ Μαχανιτις – Athena Makhanitis – Contriver (of Plans and Devices)

N

Ἀθηνᾶ Νικη – Athena Nikê – Victory

O

Ἀθηνᾶ Οφθαλμιτις – Athena Ophthalmitis – of the Eyes

Ἀθηνᾶ Οξυδερκης – Athena Oxyderkês – Sharp-Sighted

P

Ἀθηνᾶ Παιωνια – Athena Paiônia – Healer

Ἀθηνᾶ Παρθενος – Athena Parthenos – Virgin, Maiden

Ἀθηνᾶ Πολεμηδοκος – Athena Polemêdokos – War-Sustaining

Ἀθηνᾶ Πολιας – Athena Polias – of the City

Ἀθηνᾶ Πολιατις – Athena Poliatis – Keeper of the City

Ἀθηνᾶ Πολιουχος – Athena Polioukhos – Protectress of the City

Ἀθηνᾶ Προμαχορμα – Athena Promakhorma – Champion of the Anchorage

Ἀθηνᾶ Προνοια – Athena Pronoia – Foresight

S

Ἀθηνᾶ Σαλπινξ – Athena Salpinx – Athena War-Trumpet

Ἀθηνᾶ Σωτειρα – Athena Sôteira – Savior

Ἀθηνᾶ Σθενιας – Athena Sthenias – of Strength, Strong

X

Ἀθηνᾶ Ξενια – Athena Xenia – of Hospitality, of the Foreigner

Z

Ἀθηνᾶ Ζωστηρια – Athena Zôstêria – Girder in Armor

______________

Source

bastardbvby:

rb with your red flags for fanfics like no matter how good the premise is or how many kudos it has, you simply cannot read it based on these factors

DISCLAIMER: I am not actually back! For a number of reasons, I feel one step removed from the community in a way that I think makes my input not very helpful, and to be honest, I don’t have the extra spoons for active blogging these days. However, if anyone wants to get in touch with me, hit up my cousin @hashbrowncatsandketchup for my discord handle.

But. I logged back in for a moment to look over some old asks for reference, and found a dm from months ago asking if I have the LAGG translations for Heru-wer. As it happens, I do. I saved the PDF long before wepwawetwiki went under, and I’m uploading and linking it for you guys now because it’s too useful a resource to hoard.

DROPBOX LINK

I hope that’s helpful to at least one of you. Thank you guys for all the good memories and excellent resources, and I wish you all the best!

Seek, over & out.

montponine:

bring back homeric epithets. call people brave-hearted, swift-footed, laughter loving and loud thundering. view the world with its rosy fingered and saffron robed dawns, its wine dark seas. make your own, walk across kiln fired earth and moss soft as sea sponges. be dew-eyed and soft-cheeked and silver-souled, deft-fingered and bright-tongued. gaze up at the many-storied stars and feel the warmth of the ancient sun, father of gods and men, as it beats down on the shimmering world, soft spun like caterpillar silk

huntrixprincex:

Azesia- “of the Dried Fruits” and/or “Who Seeks”. The epithet is shared with her mother, Demeter. It is possible the double meaning is intended to link them while referring to their separate aspects.

Brimo- “the Angry” or “the Terrifying”. An alternative interpretation places the meaning as “of the Crackling Fire.” This epithet was most commonly shared by Persephone, Demeter, Hekate, and Cybele. However, many Goddesses are known to be called by this name. The interpretation of “the Crackling Fire” refers to Hekate bearing the torches during the initial search for Persephone.

Carpophorus- “Bringer of Fruit”. This epithet was specific to Persephone in the role of Kore. She shared it with Demeter. This was a common epithet used at their temple in Tegea. 

Chthonia- “of the Earth” or “Subterranean”. This is an epithet common to any deity who journeys to the Underworld. Notably, it is shared by Hades, Persephone, Demeter, Hekate, Hermes, and Dionysus.

Daeira- “Knowing One”. Demeter’s and Persephone’s Mystery traditions were one of the first and most well-known. Persephone comprehended the mysteries of living and death. She knew the mechanisms of the Earth.

Deione- “Daughter of Demeter”.

Despoena- “The Ruling Goddess” or “The Mistress.” This epithet is shared by Persephone, Demeter, and Aphrodite.

Eleusina- “of Eleusis”. This epithet is shared by Persephone and Demeter. The main area of their worship was the town of Eleusis in Attica.

Epaine- “the Fearful”. It is not that Persephone herself was afraid, but her worshipers praised her because of how they feared her.

Hagne- “Pure” or “Holy One”.

Hercyna- “of the Stone Enclosure”. This is a poorly understood epithet. In my opinion, it refers to her domain in the Underworld.

Kore- “The Maiden”. This is an alternate name for Persephone and was her original name before joining Hades in the Underworld. It can be used for her at any time.

Leptynis- There is no solid interpretation of this epithet. Leptins were small Greek coins used in ancient times, so I often think this means “of the Coins.” This would work because her husband was Hades, Lord of Riches and coins were used as payment to enter the Underworld.

Megala Thea- “Great Goddess”.

Melitodes- “Sweet as Honey”. Persephone, as seen above, was considered to be a terrifying Goddess. This epithet was used as a way of invoking her softly, with compliments.

Praxidike- “Bringer of Justice”.

Protogone- “First Born”. This is another poorly understood epithet. I interpret it as a nod to Persephone as Demeter’s first-born child. (Zeus had many Goddesses he considered to be his Queen. Demeter was one of them, and Persephone is often considered to be their child from this time.)

Soteira- “Savior”. An epithet shared by many Goddesses including Artemis, Persephone, Athena, and Eunomia. In Laconia and Arcadia, this was commonly used by worshipers of Persephone. A similar epithet is shared by Hades and Dionysus, as well as many other Gods.

(Source: theoi.com- Titles of Demeter & Kore: Ancient Greek Religion)

I hope this is a helpful list for anyone interested in worshiping Persephone. These are her main epithets. I took out alternate spellings and epithets which had the same meanings but were less widely known than the ones shown here. If you are interested in ideas on when to use these epithets or inspiration based on them, shoot me an ask!

Epítetos y Títulos del Dios Dionisio

—| Explora más del Templo |—

He aquí una lista con los principales epítetos con los que se invocaba al Señor Dionisio. Son muy útiles si se quiere comprender a profundidad la naturaleza de nuestro Salvador.

• Agrios (Salvaje)

• Anax Bacqueyos (Señor Báquico)

• Anteos (Floreciente)

• Areyon (Belicoso)

• Arretos (Inefable)

• Arsenotelis (Hombre Afeminado)

• Auxites (Cultivador)

• Backos (Delirante)

• Bassareos (Dios Zorro)

• Bromios (que Ruge)

• Bythios (Profundo),

• Charidotes (Dador de Gracias)

• Choreutes (Danzante)

• Chthonios (del Inframundo),

• Dendrites (Dios de los Árboles)

• Dikerotes (que tiene dos Cuernos)

• Dimeter (que tiene dos Madres)

• Eiraphiotes (Cocido en una pieza)

• Ekstatophoros (Dador del éxtasis)

• Eleuthereus (Emancipador)

• Enorches (con Testículos, el Cojudo)

• Eubouleus (Buen Consolador)

• Euios (Parrandero),

• Gethosynos (Alegre),

• Gynnis (Mujeril)

• Hagnos (el Puro, el Santo)

• Iakchos (que Grita en Eleusis)

• Iatros (Sanador)

• Kissos (Hiedra)

• Kryphios (Oculto)

• Lampter (Portador de luz)

• Lenaios (del Lagar)

• Lyseus (Libertador)

• Mainomenos (Enloquecido)

• Makar (Bendito)

• Manikos (Maníaco)

• Mantis (Adivino)

• Meilichios (Amable)

• Morychos (Señor Oscuro)

• Nyktelios (de la Noche)

• Nysios (de Nisa)

• Palaios (el Antiguo)

• Phallen (con Pene, de los Penes, Varonil)

• Phanes (Iluminador)

• Polygethes (Portador de muchas alegrías)

• Polymorphos (de Numerosas Formas)

• Polyonomos (con Muchos Nombres)

• Protogonos (Primogénito)

• Skeptouchos (que porta un Cetro)

• Soter (Salvador)

• Teletarches (Señor de las Iniciaciones)

• Thyrsophoros (que porta el Tirso)

• Trigonos (Nacido tres veces)

• Zagreus (Gran Cazador)

• Zoophoros (Fuente de Vida)

Entre muchos otros.

• Psychodotír (Ψυχοδοτήρ) :

Giver of souls

epith. of Apollon

• Psychoplanís (Ψυχοπλανής) :

Making soul wander

epith. of Dionysus

• Psychopompós (Ψυχοπομπός):

Guiding souls of the dead

epith. of Hermes