Quotes from workThe Odyssey (Cowper)
The Odyssey is one of two major ancient Greek epic poems attributed to Homer. It is, in part, a sequel to the Iliad, the other Homeric epic. The Odyssey is fundamental to the modern Western canon; it is the second-oldest extant work of Western literature, while the Iliad is the oldest. Scholars believe the Odyssey was composed near the end of the 8th century BC, somewhere in Ionia, the Greek coastal region of Anatolia.The poem mainly focuses on the Greek hero Odysseus , king of Ithaca, and his journey home after the fall of Troy. It takes Odysseus ten years to reach Ithaca after the ten-year Trojan War. In his absence, it is assumed Odysseus has died, and his wife Penelope and son Telemachus must deal with a group of unruly suitors, the Mnesteres or Proci, who compete for Penelope's hand in marriage.
“Some of the words you'll find within yourself,
the rest some power will inspire you to say.”
III. 26–27 (tr. Robert Fagles); Athena to Telemachus.
Odyssey (c. 725 BC)
“Nevertheless I long—I pine, all my days—
to travel home and see the dawn of my return.”
V. 219–220 (tr. Robert Fagles).
Odyssey (c. 725 BC)
“Just take in peace what gifts the gods will send.”
XVIII. 142 (tr. Robert Fagles).
Odyssey (c. 725 BC)
XI. 206–208 (tr. Robert Fagles); Odysseus attempting to embrace his mother's spirit in the Underworld.
Compare Virgil, Aeneid, II. 792–793 (tr. C. Pitt):
: Thrice round her neck my eager arms I threw;
Thrice from my empty arms the phantom flew.
Odyssey (c. 725 BC)
XVII. 485–487 (tr. G. H. Palmer).
Odyssey (c. 725 BC)
“Few sons, indeed, are like their fathers.
Generally they are worse; but just a few are better.”
II. 276–277 (tr. E. V. Rieu).
Odyssey (c. 725 BC)
Source: The Odyssey
“For a friend with an understanding heart is worth no less than a brother.”
VIII. 585–586 (tr. G. H. Palmer).
Odyssey (c. 725 BC)
Source: The Odyssey
IX. 366 (tr. Robert Fagles); Odysseus to Polyphemus.
Odyssey (c. 725 BC)
Variant: Nobody—that's my name.
Source: The Odyssey
“There is a time for many words and there is a time also for sleep.”
XI. 379 (tr. A. T. Murray).
Odyssey (c. 725 BC)
Source: The Odyssey
