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Line 148 – 155 ‘Calypso composed herself and went to Odysseus, Zeus’ message still ringing in her ears. She found him sitting where the breakers rolled in. His eyes were perpetually wet with tears now, his life draining away in … Continue reading →

“Tendrils of ivy curled around the cave’s mouth, The glossy green vine clustered with berries. Four separate springs flowed with clear water, criss-Crossing channels as they meandered through meadows Lush with parsley and blossoming violets. It was enough to make … Continue reading →

“You ask me, goddess to god, why I have come. Well, I’ll tell you exactly why. Remember, you asked. Zeus ordered me to come here; I didn’t want to. Who would want to cross this endless stretch Of deserted sea? … Continue reading →

  “When he finally arrived at the distant island He stepped from the violet-tinctured sea On to dry land and proceeded to the cavern Where Calypso lived. She was at home. A fire blazed on the hearth, and the smell Of split cedar and arbor vitae burning Spread like incense across the whole island. She was seated inside, singing in a lovely voice As she wove at her loom with a golden shuttle.” In this passage of Book V (lines 58-66), the reader is introduced to the physical realm of Calypso, whom we have heard so much about—as seen by Hermes. There are … Continue reading →

“A fire blazed on the hearth, and the smell Of split cedar and arbor vitae burning Spread like incense across the whole island. She was seated inside, singing in a lovely voice As she wove at her loom with a … Continue reading →

(Book V: Lines 118-143. Page 388.) “You gods are the most jealous bastards in the universe— Persecuting any goddess who openly takes A mortal lover to her bed and sleeps with him. When Dawn caressed Orion with her rosy fingers, … Continue reading →

He pushed aside the bushes, breaking off with his great hand a single branch of olive whose leaves might shield him in his nakedness; so came out rustling, like a mountain lion, rain-drenched, wind-buffeted, but in his might at ease … Continue reading →

Book V; 118-119, 130-137 “You gods are the most jealous bastards in the universe- Persecuting any goddess who ever openly takes A mortal lover to her bed and sleeps with him… Well, I was the one who saved his life, … Continue reading →

“You know how precious a father’s life is To children who have seen him through a long disease, Gripped by a malevolent spirit and melting away, But then released from suffering in a spasm of joy.  The land and woods … Continue reading →

Passage analyzed: Book 5, Lines 493-502 (p 396 in The Norton Anthology, 3rd ed.) Stanley Lombardo’s translation of the Odyssey uses italics to set off striking similes like the one in this passage. The visual and sonic arrangement of the … Continue reading →