Here's why:
* Formulaic phrase: This term describes a phrase that is used repeatedly in a specific genre or style. It can be a set phrase, a cliché, or a predictable way of expressing an idea.
* Stock epithet: This is a specific type of formulaic phrase that describes a character or object. It is often used to create a sense of familiarity or to add a bit of humor to a poem.
For example, in traditional bardic poetry, you might find phrases like:
* "the bright sword"
* "the fair maiden"
* "the mighty king"
These are all formulaic phrases that could be added or removed from a poem without changing the meaning too much.
Bards would use these stock phrases to:
* Engage the audience: The audience would recognize these phrases and anticipate the next line.
* Create a sense of rhythm and flow: These phrases helped to create a predictable rhythm and made the poetry easier to remember.
* Enhance the poetic imagery: The phrases could also help to create a vivid and memorable image in the listener's mind.
Ultimately, these phrases are just tools that a bard could use to enhance their performance. They are not essential to the meaning of the poem, but they can add a lot to the overall experience.