A feature of Homer’s writing style is the use of epithets, such as "rosy-fingered" for Dawn or "swift-footed" for Achilles. Epithets are used because of the rules of dactylic hexameter, which requires having ready phrases that fit the meter, and because the poems were passed down orally. These phrases help both the storyteller and listeners remember the story.

In epic poetry from many Indo-European cultures, similar phrases appear, such as "everlasting glory" in Homeric Greek (κλέος ἄφθιτον) and "undying fame" in Vedic Sanskrit (श्रवो अक्षितम्). These phrases share similar sounds, stress patterns, and syllable lengths. They likely come from an older poetic phrase in Proto-Indo-European (*ḱléwos ń̥dʰgʷʰitom), which was passed down over centuries in different forms by storytellers who shared a common set of poetic expressions and themes.

Unlike the general term "epithet" (ἐπίθετον), which is used in poetry, the term "epiclesis" (ἐπίκλησις) refers to a special name used in ancient Greek religious rituals to call upon a god.

Epithets change the meaning of the words they describe. They show the lasting qualities of a noun, not just temporary actions. For example, Achilles is always called "swift-footed," not just when he runs. Some epithets, like patronymics, are used only for specific people, while others, like generic epithets, describe many people. Sometimes, an epithet may contradict the current state of the subject. For example, in Odyssey VI.74, Nausicaa carries her "radiant clothing" (ἐσθῆτα φαεινήν) to be washed, even though it is dirty.

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General descriptive words are used to refer to common nouns, which are general terms for people or things. For example, in stories, characters like Odysseus, Achilles, and Agamemnon are sometimes called "brilliant," a descriptive word that applies to men in general.