An epithet is the part of a name people add once they know you: the Bold, Dragonslayer, of the North. It says what you did, what you're like or where you're from, and it often outlives everything else about you. Type your character's name into this epithet generator, pick a category (or leave it on a mix) and see what fits.
Epithets from history
Real kings and warriors collected some wonderful epithets, and many were far from flattering. The Historical category draws on them:
- Æthelred the Unready (England, d. 1016): "unready" comes from Old English unræd, "ill-advised", a pun on his name, which means "noble counsel".
- Harald Bluetooth (Denmark): the Bluetooth wireless standard is named after him, and its logo combines the runes of his initials.
- Edward Longshanks (Edward I of England): for his height. John Lackland, a youngest son, was expected to inherit no lands of his own.
- Eric Bloodaxe, Sweyn Forkbeard and Thorfinn Skull-splitter: the Viking world's bynames are some of the best there are.
- Charles the Bald, Charles the Fat and Charles the Simple: three Frankish kings, three blunt verdicts. Their relative Louis the Stammerer fared no better.
- Henry the Fowler (Germany): the story goes he was out setting bird snares when news came that he'd been chosen king.
- Ivan the Terrible: the Russian Grozny is closer to "formidable" or "fearsome" than "bad".
Using a real epithet makes a character feel grounded in history, and a funny one (the Fat, the Unready) can make a ruler instantly memorable.
The, of, or nothing at all
Epithets come in a few shapes, and the shape changes the feel:
- the + word: the Bold, the Hammer, the Wise. The classic form, and the most common.
- A single compound word: Dragonslayer, Lionheart, Stormborn. These drop the "the" and read almost like a surname.
- of + place: of the North, of the Mountains. Where someone's from, especially once they've left it.
The generator adds "the" where it belongs, so Aldric the Brave, Aldric Dragonslayer and Aldric of the North all come out right.
Epithets are given, not chosen
Almost nobody picks their own epithet. Other people give it to them, and that's where the fun is:
- It can be unfair. One bad day can stick for ever. Jaime Lannister is "Kingslayer" to everyone in Westeros, whatever his reasons.
- It can be ironic. A giant called the Small, a coward called the Brave.
- It can change. A character might start as the Exile and end as the Returned, which makes a good arc for a long campaign.
- Different people use different ones. Allies say the Bold; enemies say the Reckless.
Choosing the right category
- Deeds (Dragon, Giant, Monster, Military…) for heroes with a famous victory behind them.
- Reputation (Fame, Infamy, Mystery…) for what people say about them, true or not.
- Origin for travellers, exiles and anyone far from home.
- Magical for spellcasters and anyone touched by magic.
- Personality and Physical for the epithets ordinary people get: the Tall, the Quiet, the Cruel.
- Historical for real epithets with a story behind them.
Not sure? Leave it on Any category and press Generate a few times: the right one tends to jump out.
Naming a Minecraft sword or pickaxe? The Minecraft Tool and Weapon Name Generator makes epic and funny names for enchanted gear.