Investigation and analysis of rhetorical functions of Epithet in Khaghani's Odes

Epithet is an adjective or adjective substitute that is often used in epic poetry to highlight the characteristics and special abilities of heroes by depicting their feelings and states in different scenes. Details such as origin, appearance, skill, lineage, position and ability of the characters in the story are provided through epithet. These details help us to deepen the meaning and significance of the events and the formation of the characters' identities. In the present study, with a more precise definition of this term and through Khanghani’s odes, we have reached this conclusion that epithet can be used in other fictional texts (lyrical, mystical, etc.) and non-fiction. Contrary to some observations, an epithet should have an "artistic" function, and its role should be prominent in poetic creations and introducing the characteristics of the hero of fiction and non-fiction texts. In Khaghani's poems, Epithet has been used to create metaphor, simile, repetition, irony, allusion, ambiguity, exaggeration, harmony, paradox, personification, syllogism and pun. The most frequent of these literary techniques is in "metaphor". In most of Khaghani's mixed metaphors, the epithet is used and it is most frequently employed in the form of descriptive compounds than "adjective substitute". Undoubtedly, one sign of diversity and genius in Khaghani lies in his use of epithets.