Formulaic Language and the Odyssey

Find three examples of formulaic language (include them here) and explain how you think these might have been helpful when singing or speaking the Odyssey in the oral tradition.

Formulaic language is extremely prevalent in the Odyssey. There are many epithets, a form of formulaic language, for the characters in the Odyssey. The use of these epithets like godlike Odysseus, godlike (insert any other hero here), owl eyed Athena, earthshaker Poseidon, etc. help the speaker or singer to remember what to say and what scene goes with them. The type scenes in the book, like the hospitality scenes, Athena helping Odysseus, etc., help the speaker or singer by providing a repetitive rhythm and helps them remember what is going on and what should be happening. There are also epic simile's that appear often and compare easy to imagine examples to what is kind of going on. I think that the formulaic language helps the speaker or singer in remembering the words and the many scenes, but I think they also help the audience, especially if they were given vocally. Formulaic language is an important aspect and helpful addition to stories that are transmitted or given orally.

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