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Kleos aphthiton

Phrase
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

Greek phrase meaning “undying glory,” often invoked in epic poetry to denote immortal fame through verse

Detailed Definition
Kleos aphthiton, Greek for “undying glory,” is a Homeric concept where heroic deeds achieve immortality through poetic song; in lyric poetry, it manifests as a striving for timeless resonance—through mythic allusion, elevated diction, or enduring themes—ensuring the poet’s voice, like Achilles’, echoes beyond death.
Example
Example in poetry:
Homer’s “Iliad” opens with kleos aphthiton: “Sing, O goddess, the anger…”; Sappho’s fragments seek undying fame: “Someone will remember us”; In “Beowulf,” the hero pursues kleos: “Let whoever can / win glory before death”; Modern poets invoke kleos: “My name will burn in your throat” (Danez Smith); Kleos aphthiton drives epic ambition from Gilgamesh to Walcott
Additional Notes
Greek phrase meaning 'imperishable glory'—fame through poetry. Homeric concept of poetic immortality. Central to epic tradition. Related to kleos (glory) and poetic ambition. Justifies poetry's social function.
Also Known As
undying fame epic immortality
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