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Glite Dictionary
epode

epode

1 9.9
The final group of lines in an ode that comes after two earlier parts
  • noun
  • /ˈɛp.oʊd/
  • Archaic
: épodo
  • The final section of the ode, known as the epode, brings a poignant resolution to the themes explored.

Examples

  • Its original, strongly Stoic conception, in which a Golden Age would recur on the "other side" of a cosmic conflagration, still darkened Horace's Epode 16.

    Academic text (1990)

  • The poet concluded his masterpiece with an epode, reflecting on the themes of love and loss.

  • Preformatted table (Epode 8.1-6)

    Academic text (1993)

  • In ancient Greek poetry, an epode is a vital part of the structure, emphasizing the poem's central message.

Surface Forms

epode singular
epodes plural

Morphology

epode = ode (semi-transparent) = epi + ode + epi

The element 'ode' is a recognizable English word, but the prefix 'epi-' is a rare Greek combining form so learners are unlikely to infer the precise technical sense without specialized knowledge.

Etymology

Epode comes from the Greek parts epi- 'after' and ode 'song', so it means an 'after-song' and refers to the closing stanza that comes at the end of an ode.