Homer, Odyssey, ed. A. T. Murray, 24.496

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ὣς ἔφαθʼ, οἱ δʼ ὤρνυντο καὶ ἐν τεύχεσσι δύοντο,

τέσσαρες ἀμφʼ Ὀδυσῆʼ, ἓξ δʼ υἱεῖς οἱ Δολίοιο·

ἐν δʼ ἄρα Λαέρτης Δολίος τʼ ἐς τεύχεʼ ἔδυνον,

καὶ πολιοί περ ἐόντες, ἀναγκαῖοι πολεμισταί.

αὐτὰρ ἐπεί ῥʼ ἕσσαντο περὶ χροῒ νώροπα χαλκόν,

500

ὤϊξάν ῥα θύρας, ἐκ δʼ ἤϊον, ἦρχε δʼ Ὀδυσσεύς.

τοῖσι δʼ ἐπʼ ἀγχίμολον θυγάτηρ Διὸς ἦλθεν Ἀθήνη

Μέντορι εἰδομένη ἠμὲν δέμας ἠδὲ καὶ αὐδήν.

τὴν μὲν ἰδὼν γήθησε πολύτλας δῖος Ὀδυσσεύς·

αἶψα δὲ Τηλέμαχον προσεφώνεεν ὃν φίλον υἱόν·

505

Τηλέμαχʼ, ἤδη μὲν τόδε γʼ εἴσεαι αὐτὸς ἐπελθών,

ἀνδρῶν μαρναμένων ἵνα τε κρίνονται ἄριστοι,

μή τι καταισχύνειν πατέρων γένος, οἳ τὸ πάρος περ

ἀλκῇ τʼ ἠνορέῃ τε κεκάσμεθα πᾶσαν ἐπʼ αἶαν.

τὸν δʼ αὖ Τηλέμαχος πεπνυμένος ἀντίον ηὔδα·

510

ὄψεαι, αἴ κʼ ἐθέλῃσθα, πάτερ φίλε, τῷδʼ ἐπὶ θυμῷ

οὔ τι καταισχύνοντα τεὸν γένος, ὡς ἀγορεύεις.

ὣς φάτο, Λαέρτης δʼ ἐχάρη καὶ μῦθον ἔειπε·

τίς νύ μοι ἡμέρη ἥδε, θεοὶ φίλοι; ἦ μάλα χαίρω·

υἱός θʼ υἱωνός τʼ ἀρετῆς πέρι δῆριν ἔχουσιν.

515

τὸν δὲ παρισταμένη προσέφη γλαυκῶπις Ἀθήνη·

ὦ Ἀρκεισιάδη, πάντων πολὺ φίλταθʼ ἑταίρων,

εὐξάμενος κούρῃ γλαυκώπιδι καὶ Διὶ πατρί,

αἶψα μαλʼ ἀμπεπαλὼν προΐει δολιχόσκιον ἔγχος.

ὣς φάτο, καί ῥʼ ἔμπνευσε μένος μέγα Παλλὰς Ἀθήνη

520

εὐξάμενος δʼ ἄρʼ ἔπειτα Διὸς κούρῃ μεγάλοιο,

αἶψα μάλʼ ἀμπεπαλὼν προΐει δολιχόσκιον ἔγχος,

καὶ βάλεν Εὐπείθεα κόρυθος διὰ χαλκοπαρῄου.

ἡ δʼ οὐκ ἔγχος ἔρυτο, διαπρὸ δὲ εἴσατο χαλκός,

δούπησεν δὲ πεσών, ἀράβησε δὲ τεύχεʼ ἐπʼ αὐτῷ.

525

ἐν δʼ ἔπεσον προμάχοις Ὀδυσεὺς καὶ φαίδιμος υἱός,

τύπτον δὲ ξίφεσίν τε καὶ ἔγχεσιν ἀμφιγύοισι.

καί νύ κε δὴ πάντας ὄλεσαν καὶ ἔθηκαν ἀνόστους,

εἰ μὴ Ἀθηναίη, κούρη Διὸς αἰγιόχοιο,

ἤϋσεν φωνῇ, κατὰ δʼ ἔσχεθε λαὸν ἅπαντα.

530

ἴσχεσθε πτολέμου, Ἰθακήσιοι, ἀργαλέοιο,

ὥς κεν ἀναιμωτί γε διακρινθῆτε τάχιστα.

ὣς φάτʼ Ἀθηναίη, τοὺς δὲ χλωρὸν δέος εἷλεν·

τῶν δʼ ἄρα δεισάντων ἐκ χειρῶν ἔπτατο τεύχεα,

πάντα δʼ ἐπὶ χθονὶ πῖπτε, θεᾶς ὄπα φωνησάσης·

535

πρὸς δὲ πόλιν τρωπῶντο λιλαιόμενοι βιότοιο.

σμερδαλέον δʼ ἐβόησε πολύτλας δῖος Ὀδυσσεύς,

οἴμησεν δὲ ἀλεὶς ὥς τʼ αἰετὸς ὑψιπετήεις.

καὶ τότε δὴ Κρονίδης ἀφίει ψολόεντα κεραυνόν,

κὰδ δʼ ἔπεσε πρόσθε γλαυκώπιδος ὀβριμοπάτρης.

540

δὴ τότʼ Ὀδυσσῆα προσέφη γλαυκῶπις Ἀθήνη·

διογενὲς Λαερτιάδη, πολυμήχανʼ Ὀδυσσεῦ,

ἴσχεο, παῦε δὲ νεῖκος ὁμοιΐου πολέμοιο,

μή πως τοι Κρονίδης κεχολώσεται εὐρύοπα Ζεύς.

ὣς φάτʼ Ἀθηναίη, ὁ δʼ ἐπείθετο, χαῖρε δὲ θυμῷ.

545

ὅρκια δʼ αὖ κατόπισθε μετʼ ἀμφοτέροισιν ἔθηκεν

Παλλὰς Ἀθηναίη, κούρη Διὸς αἰγιόχοιο,

Μέντορι εἰδομένη ἠμὲν δέμας ἠδὲ καὶ αὐδήν.

Odyssey. Homer. ed. A. T. Murray. London. 1919.

Sponsored by Perseus Project, Tufts University.

Funding provided by The Annenberg CPB/Project.

Current edition Perseus

Ὀδύσσεια (Greek) (Homer. The Odyssey, Volume 1-2. Murray, A. T. (Augustus Taber), editor. London: William Heinmann; New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons, 1919.)

Translations (8)

Odyssey Perseus (Homer. The Odyssey, Volume 1-2. Murray, A. T. (Augustus Taber), translator. London: William Heinmann; New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons, 1919.) — 24.496 focus

So he spoke, and they rose up and arrayed themselves in armour: Odysseus and his men were four, and six the sons of Dolius, and among them Laertes and Dolius donned their armour, grey-headed though they were, warriors perforce. 500 But when they had clothed their bodies in gleaming bronze, they opened the doors and went forth, and Odysseus led them. Then Athena, daughter of Zeus, drew near them in the likeness of Mentor both in form and in voice, and the much-enduring, goodly Odysseus was glad at sight of her, 505 and straightway spoke to Telemachus, his dear son: “Telemachus, now shalt thou learn this—having thyself come to the place of battle, where the best warriors are put to the trial—to bring no disgrace upon the house of thy fathers, for we have ever excelled in strength and in valor over all the earth.” 510 And wise Telemachus answered him: “Thou shalt see me, if thou wilt, dear father, in my present temper, bringing no disgrace upon thy house, even as thou sayest.” So said he, and Laertes was glad, and spoke, saying: “What a day is this for me, kind gods! 515 Verily right glad am I: my son and my son's son are vying with one another in valor.” Then flashing-eyed Athena came near him and said: “Son of Arceisius, far the dearest of all my friends, make a prayer to the flashing-eyed maiden and to father Zeus, and then straightway raise aloft thy long spear, and hurl it.” 520 So spoke Pallas Athena, and breathed into him great might. Then he prayed to the daughter of great Zeus, and straightway raised aloft his long spear, and hurled it, and smote Eupeithes through the helmet with cheek-piece of bronze. This stayed not the spear, but the bronze passed through, 525 and he fell with a thud, and his armour clanged about him. Then on the foremost fighters fell Odysseus and his glorious son, and thrust at them with swords and double-pointed spears. And now would they have slain them all, and cut them off from returning, had not Athena, daughter of Zeus, who bears the aegis, 530 shouted aloud, and checked all the host, saying: “Refrain, men of Ithaca , from grievous war, that with all speed you may part, and that without bloodshed.” So spoke Athena, and pale fear seized them. Then in their terror the arms flew from their hands 535 and fell one and all to the ground, as the goddess uttered her voice, and they turned toward the city, eager to save their lives. Terribly then shouted the much-enduring, goodly Odysseus, and gathering himself together he swooped upon them like an eagle of lofty flight, and at that moment the son of Cronos cast a flaming thunderbolt, 540 and down it fell before the flashing-eyed daughter of the mighty sire. Then flashing-eyed Athena spoke to Odysseus saying: “Son of Laertes, sprung from Zeus, Odysseus of many devices, stay thy hand, and make the strife of equal¹ war to cease, lest haply the son of Cronos be wroth with thee, even Zeus, whose voice is borne afar.” 545 So spoke Athena, and he obeyed, and was glad at heart. Then for all time to come a solemn covenant betwixt the twain was made by Pallas Athena, daughter of Zeus, who bears the aegis, in the likeness of Mentor both in form and in voice.

Odyssey Perseus (Homer. The Odyssey: rendered into English prose for the use of those who cannot read the original. Butler, Samuel, 1835-1902, translator. Revised by Timothy Power and Gregory Nagy. London: A.C. Fifield, 1900.) — 24.489 focus

489 Now when Laertes and the others had done dinner, Odysseus began by saying, "Some of you go out and see if they are not getting close up to us." So one of Dolios’ sons went as he was bid. Standing on the threshold he could see them all quite near, and said to Odysseus, "Here they are, let us put on our armor at once."

496 They put on their armor as fast as they could - that is to say Odysseus, his three men, and the six sons of Dolios. Laertes also and Dolios did the same - warriors by necessity in spite of their gray hair. When they had all put on their armor, they opened the gate and sallied forth, Odysseus leading the way.

502 Then Zeus’ daughter Athena came up to them, having assumed the form and voice of Mentor. Odysseus was glad when he saw her, and said to his son Telemakhos, "Telemakhos, now that you are about to fight in an engagement, which will show every man's mettle, be sure not to disgrace your ancestors, who were eminent for their strength and courage all the world over."

510 "You say truly, my dear father," answered Telemakhos, "and you shall see, if you will, that I am in no mind to disgrace your family."

English (Butler, rev. Nagy et al., 2020) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Butler, rev. Nagy et al., 2020)) — 24.496 focus

hey put on their armor as fast as they could—that is to say Odysseus, his three men, and the six sons of Dolios. Laertes also and Dolios did the same—warriors by necessity in spite of their gray hair. [500] When they had all put on their armor, they opened the gate and sallied forth, Odysseus leading the way.

Then Zeus’ daughter, Athena, came up to them, having assumed the form and voice of Mentor. Much-enduring great Odysseus was glad when he saw her, [505] and said to his beloved son Telemachus, “Telemachus, now that you are about to fight in an engagement, which will show every man’s mettle, be sure not to disgrace your ancestors, who were eminent for their strength and courage all the world over.”

[510] “You say truly, my dear father,” answered the spirited Telemachus, “and you shall see, if you will, that I am in no mind to disgrace your family.”

Laertes was delighted when he heard this. “Skies above!” he exclaimed, “what a day I am enjoying: I do indeed rejoice at it. [515] My son and grandson are vying with one another in the matter of valor [ aretē].”

Then owl-vision Athena came close up to him and said, “Son of Arkeisios—best friend I have in the world—pray to the owl-vision damsel, and to Zeus her father; then poise your spear and hurl it.”

[520] As she spoke she infused fresh vigor into him, and when he had prayed to her he poised his spear and hurled it. He hit Eupeithes’ helmet, and the spear went right through it, for the helmet stayed it not, [525] and his armor rang rattling round him as he fell heavily to the ground. Meantime Odysseus and his son fell the front line of the foe and smote them with their swords and spears; indeed, they would have killed every one of them, and prevented them from ever getting home again, only Athena [530] raised her voice aloud, and made every one pause. “Men of Ithaca,” she cried, “cease this dreadful war, and settle the matter at once without further bloodshed.”

Then pale fear seized every one; they were so frightened that their arms dropped from their hands [535] and fell upon the ground at the sound of the goddess’ voice, and they fled back to the city for their lives. But much-enduring Odysseus gave a great cry, and gathering himself together swooped down like a soaring eagle. Then the son of Kronos sent a thunderbolt of fire [540] that fell just in front of owl-vision Athena, so she said to Odysseus, “Odysseus, noble son of Laertes and seed of Zeus, stop this strife, or Zeus will be angry with you.”

[545] Thus spoke Athena, and Odysseus obeyed her gladly. Then Athena, daughter of Zeus of the aegis, assumed the form and voice of Mentor, and presently made a covenant of peace between the two contending parties.

English (William Cullen Bryant, 1873) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (William Cullen Bryant, 1873)) — 24.496 focus

He spake; they rose, and quickly were in arms.

Four were Ulysses and his friends, and six

610

The sons of Dolius. Old Laertes then,

And Dolius, put on armor with the rest,

Gray-headed as they were, for now their aid

Was needed. When they all had clad themselves

In shining brass, they threw the portals wide

615

And sallied forth, Ulysses at their head.

Now Pallas, daughter of almighty Jove,

Drew near them. She had taken Mentor's form

And Mentor's voice. The much-enduring chief,

Ulysses, saw her and rejoiced, and said

620

To his beloved son, Telemachus :-

"Now wilt thou, of thyself, Telemachus,

Bethink thee, when thou minglest in the fray

That tries men's valor, not to cast disgrace

Upon thy forefathers, - a race renowned

625

For manly daring over all the earth."

And thus discreet Telemachus replied:

"Nay, if thou wilt, my father, thou shalt see

That by no lack of valor shall I cast,

As thou hast said, dishonor on thy race."

630

Laertes heard them, and rejoiced, and said:

"O what a day for me, ye blessed gods,

Is this! With what delight I see my son

And grandson rivals on the battle-field."

And then the blue-eyed Pallas, drawing near

635

Laertes, said : "Son of Arcesias, loved

By me beyond all others of my friends,

Pray to Jove's blue-eyed daughter, and to Jove,

And brandish thy long spear, and send it forth."

So Pallas spake, and breathed into his frame

640

Strength irresistible. The aged chief

Prayed to the daughter of almighty Jove,

And brandished his long spear and sent it forth.

It smote Eupeithes on the helmet's cheek.

The brass stayed not the spear, the blade passed through,

645

And heavily Eupeithes fell to earth,

His armor clashing round him as he fell.

Then rushed Ulysses and his valiant son

Forward, the foremost of their band, and smote

Their foes with swords and lances double-edged,

650

And would have struck them down to rise no more,

If Pallas, daughter of the god who bears

The ægis, had not with a mighty voice

Commanded all the combatants to cease: -

"Stay, men of Ithaca; withhold your hands

655

From deadly combat. Part, and shed no blood."

So Pallas spake, and they grew pale with awe,

And fear-struck; as they heard her words they dropped

Their weapons all upon the earth. They fled

Townward as if for life, while terribly

660

The much-enduring chief Ulysses raised

His voice, and shouted after them, and sprang

Upon them as an eagle darts through air.

Then Saturn's son sent down a bolt of fire;

It fell before his blue-eyed daughter's feet,

665

And thus the goddess to Ulysses called : -

"Son of Laertes, nobly born and wise,

Ulysses, hold thy hand; restrain the rage

Of deadly combat, lest the god who wields

The thunder, Saturn's son, be wroth with thee."

670

She spake, and gladly he obeyed; and then

Pallas, the child of ægis-bearing Jove,

Plighted, in Mentor's form with Mentor's voice,

A covenant of peace between the foes.

English (Alexander Pope, 1726, ed. Watson, 1858) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Alexander Pope, 1726, ed. Watson, 1858)) — 24.496 focus

Now sat Ulysses at the rural feast,

The rage of hunger and of thirst repress'd:

565

To watch the foe a trusty spy he sent:

A son of Dolius on the message went,

Stood in the way, and at a glance beheld

The foe approach, embattled on the field.

With backward step he hastens to the bower,

570

And tells the news. They arm with all their power.

Four friends alone Ulysses' cause embrace,

And six were all the sons of Dolius' race:

Old Dolius too his rusted arms put on;

And, still more old, in arms Laërtes shone.

575

Trembling with warmth, the hoary heroes stand,

And brazen panoply invests the band.

The opening gates at once their war display:

Fierce they rush forth: Ulysses leads the way,

That moment joins them with celestial aid,

580

In Mentor's form, the Jove-descended maid:

The suffering hero felt his patient breast

Swell with new joy, and thus his son address'd:

"Behold, Telemachus! (nor fear the sight,)

The brave embattled, the grim front of fight!

585

The valiant with the valiant must contend:

Shame not the line whence glorious you descend;

Wide o'er the world their martial fame was spread:

Regard thyself, the living, and the dead."

"Thy eyes, great father! on this battle cast,

590

Shall learn from me Penelope was chaste."

So spoke Telemachus: the gallant boy

Good old Laërtes heard with panting joy;

"And Bless'd! thrice bless'd this happy day!" (he cries,)

"The day that shows me, ere I close my eyes,

595

A son and grandson of th' Arcesian name

Strive for fair virtue, and contest for fame!"

Then thus Minerva in Laërtes' ear:

"Son of Arcesius, reverend warrior, hear!

Jove and Jove's daughter first implore in prayer,

600

Then, whirling high, discharge thy lance in air."

She said, infusing courage with the word.

Jove and Jove's daughter then the chief implor'd,

And, whirling high, dismiss'd the lance in air.

Full at Eupithes drove the deathful spear:

605

The brass-cheek'd helmet opens to the wound;

He falls, earth thunders, and his arms resound.

Before the father and the conquering son

Heaps rush on heaps; they fight, they drop, they run.

Now by the sword, and now the javelin fall

610

The rebel race, and death had swallow'd all;

But from on high the blue-ey'd virgin cried:

(Her awful voice detain'd the headlong tide:)

"Forbear, ye nations, your mad hands forbear

From mutual slaughter; Peace descends to spare."

615

Fear shook the nations: at the voice divine

They drop their javelins, and their rage resign.

All scatter'd round their glittering weapons lie;

Some fall to earth, and some confusedly fly.

With dreadful shouts Ulysses pour'd along,

620

Swift as an eagle, as an eagle strong.

But Jove's red arm the burning thunder aims;

Before Minerva shot the livid flames;

Blazing they fell, and at her feet expir'd;

Then stopped the goddess, trembled, and retir'd.

625

"Descended from the gods! Ulysses, cease;

Offend not Jove: obey, and give the peace."

So Pallas spoke: the mandate from above

The king obey'd. The virgin-seed of Jove,

In Mentor's form, confirm'd the full accord,

630

And willing nations knew their lawful lord.¹

English (Thomas Hobbes, 1667, ed. Molesworth 1843) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Thomas Hobbes, 1667, ed. Molesworth 1843)) — 24.496 focus

And then they all put on their arms of steel.

Ulysses and his son, and servants four,

Six sons of Dolius. And the old men,

Laertes, and Dolius, were two more.

Aged they were, but necessary then.

450

Then arm'd, Ulysses leading, out they go.

And Pallas, both in person and in voice

Resembling Mentor, in came to them too.

Ulysses seeing her did much rejoice.

And looking on Telemachus, he said,

455

Telemachus, this battle will declare

Who courage has, who not. Be not afraid:

That you dishonour not your stock beware.

Father, said he, you shall see by-and-bye,

You need not be ashamed of your son.

460

Laertes this discourse heard joyfully,

And to the Gods cried out in passion,

O ye kind Gods, and happy day is this!

O joy! My son and grandson are at strife

Which of the two the most courageous is,

465

And ready to buy honour with his life.

Then Pallas to Laertes said, My friend,

Son of Arcesius, whom the Gods do love,

With all your force your spear now from you send.

But pray first unto Pallas and to Jove.

470

He pray'd, and threw his spear, which th'helmet smote

Of old Eupeithes, and went into's head.

Down dead he fell, the helmet sav'd him not.

His armour rattled, and his spirit fled.

And then fell on Ulysses and his son,

475

Upon the foremost, both with sword and spear,

And surely had destroyed them ev'ry one,

Had not Jove's daughter, Pallas, then been there.

She to the people call'd aloud, and said,

Hold Ithacesians; the quarrel may

480

Without more blood be ended. They, afra i

Of th' heavenly voice, began to run away.

Ulysses yet not ceased to pursue

The captains of his foes, till from above,

In thunder, Jove his sooty bolt down threw.

485

Then Pallas said, Beware; offend not Jove;

And glad was then Ulysses to give o'er.

By Pallas were propounded terms of peace,

In Mentor's shape, and each part to them swore.

And thus it was agreed the war should cease.

490

FINIS.

English (George Chapman, 1667, ed. Hooper 1857) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (George Chapman, 1667, ed. Hooper 1857)) — 24.496 focus

and instantly

Were all in arms. Ulysses' part was four,

665

And six more sons of Dolius; all his power

Two only more, which were his aged sire

And like-year'd Dolius, whose lives' slaked fire

All white had left their heads, yet, driven by need,

Made soldiers both of necessary deed.

670

And now, all girt in arms, the ports set wide,

They sallied forth, Ulysses being their guide;

And to them in the instant Pallas came,

In form and voice like Mentor, who a flame

Inspired of comfort in Ulysses' heart

675

With her seen presence. To his son, apart,

He thus then spake: "Now, son, your eyes shall see,

Exposed in slaughterous fight, the enemy,

Against whom who shall best serve will be seen.

Disgrace not then your race, that yet hath been

680

For force and fortitude the foremost tried

Of all earth's offsprings." His true son replied:

"Yourself shall see, loved father, if you please,

That my deservings shall in nought digress

From best fame of our race's foremost merit."

685

The old king sprung for joy to hear his spirit,

And said: "O loved Immortals, what a day

Do your clear bounties to my life display!

I joy, past measure, to behold my son

And nephew close in such contention

690

Of virtues martial." Pallas, standing near,

Said: "O my friend! Of all supremely dear,

Seed of Arcesius, pray to Jove and Her

That rules in arms, his daughter, and a dart,

Spritefully brandish'd, hurl at th' adverse part."

695

This said, he pray'd; and she a mighty force

Inspired within him, who gave instant course

To his brave-brandish'd lance, which struck the brass

That cheek'd Eupitheus' casque, and thrust his pass

Quite through his head; who fell, and sounded falling,

700

His arms the sound again from earth recalling.

Ulysses and his son rush'd on before,

And with their both-way-headed darts did gore

Their enemies' breasts so thick, that all had gone

The way of slaughter, had not Pallas thrown

705

Her voice betwixt them, charging all to stay

And spare expense of blood. Her voice did fray

The blood so from their faces that it left

A greenish paleness; all their hands it reft

Of all their weapons, falling thence to earth;

710

And to the common mother of their birth,

The city, all fled, in desire to save

The lives yet left them. Then Ulysses gave

A horrid shout, and like Jove's eagle flew

In fiery pursuit, till Saturnius threw

715

His smoking lightning 'twixt them, that had fall

Before Minerva, who then out did call

Thus to Ulysses: "Born of Jove! Abstain

From further bloodshed. Jove's hand in the slain

Hath equall'd in their pains their prides to thee.

720

Abstain, then, lest you move the Deity."

Again then, 'twixt both parts the Seed of Jove,

Athenian Pallas, of all future love

A league composed, and for her form took choice

Of Mentor's likeness both in limb and voice.

725

English (William Cowper, 1791, ed. Southey) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (William Cowper, 1791, ed. Southey)) — 24.496 focus

Then, all arising, put their armour on,

Ulysses with his three, and the six sons

580

Of Dolius; Dolius also with the rest

Arm'd and Laertes, although silver-hair'd,

Warriors perforce. When all were clad alike

In radiant armour, throwing wide the gates

They sallied, and Ulysses led the way.

585

Then Jove's own daughter Pallas, in the form

And with the voice of Mentor, came in view,

Whom seeing Laertiades rejoiced,

And thus Telemachus, his son, bespake.

Now, oh my son! thou shalt observe, untold

590

By me, where fight the bravest. Oh shame not

Thine ancestry, who have in all the earth

Proof given of valour in all ages past.

To whom Telemachus, discrete, replied.

My father! if thou wish that spectacle,

595

Thou shalt behold thy son as thou hast said,

In nought dishonouring his noble race.

Then was Laertes joyful, and exclaim'd,

What sun hath risen to day? oh blessed Gods!

My son and grandson emulous dispute

600

The prize of glory, and my soul exults.

He ended, and Minerva, drawing nigh

To the old King, thus counsell'd him. Oh friend

Whom most I love, son of Arcesias; prayer

Preferring to the virgin azure-eyed,

605

And to her father Jove, delay not, shake

Thy lance in air, and give it instant flight.

So saying, the Goddess nerved his arm anew.

He sought in prayer the daughter dread of Jove,

And brandishing it, hurl'd his lance; it struck

610

Eupithes, pierced his helmet brazen-cheek'd

That stay'd it not, but forth it sprang beyond,

And with loud clangor of his arms he fell.

Then flew Ulysses and his noble son

With faulchion and with spear of double edge

615

To the assault, and of them all had left

None living, none had to his home return'd,

But that Jove's virgin daughter with a voice

Of loud authority thus quell'd them all.

Peace, O ye men of Ithaca! while yet

620

The field remains undeluged with your blood.

So she, and fear at once paled every cheek.

All trembled at the voice divine; their arms

Escaping from the grasp fell to the earth,

And covetous of longer life, each fled

625

Back to the city. Then Ulysses sent

His voice abroad, and with an eagle's force

Sprang on the people; but Saturnian Jove

Cast down, incontinent, his smouldering bolt

At Pallas feet, and thus the Goddess spake.

630

Laertes' noble son, for wiles renown'd!

Forbear; abstain from slaughter; lest thyself

Incur the anger of high-thundering Jove.

So Pallas, whom Ulysses glad obey'd.

Then faithful covenants of peace between

635

Both sides ensued, ratified in the sight

Of Pallas, progeny of Jove, who seem'd

In voice and form, the Mentor known to all.

New Alexandria Commentaries

Gregory Nagy

Before the Odyssey comes to an end, the Singer of Tales reaches back to what seems to be the beginning of the Iliad. It is as if the second epic, the Odyssey, could now restart before it ends by reaching back into the first epic, the Iliad. Still, there will be no restart here. The plot of that first epic had started with a grand feud between Achilles and Agamemnon, but the plot of the second epic will now come to an end with a resolution of that feud. The feuding is over, so that the two main characters of the Iliad can now take time to review not only what happened in the Iliad but also, beyond the Iliad, how the two of them died, each his own way. Since they are now dead, they have to speak ghost to ghost, but that is not enough for Agamemnon. He must also speak with the new ghosts, the suitors, who will now give him a retrospective on the Odyssey. This way, Agamemnon can compare the story of his own life with the stories of both Odysseus and Achilles. And the comparison must be most depressing for him. But the Odyssey does not end with the sad thoughts of Agamemnon. Odysseus still has to reconnect with his own ancestors, and so there needs to be a final recognition scene between the son and his father Laertes. But even after this reconnection of the generations is finally achieved, the story is still not done. The feuding that has been triggered by the killing of the suitors must end; otherwise, the story cannot end.

draft js image error “Mercury Conducting the Souls of the Suitors to the Infernal Regions” (1805). John Flaxman (English, 1755–1826). Purchased as part of the Oppé Collection with assistance from the National Lottery through the Heritage Lottery Fund 1996. Image via the Tate.

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Here at O.24.520, Athena ‘breathes’ into Laertes the ‘mental power’ that he needs to be victorious, as expressed respectively by pneîn and menos. This situation is the converse of ‘breathing-out [pneîn] mental-power [menos]’, as attested at O.22.203. For other situations where a divinity breathes menos ‘mental power’ into a hero, see the comments at I.10.482, I.11.508, I.15.059–060, I.15.262.

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Athena intervenes in the feuding between the relatives of the suitors on one side and the followers of Odysseus on the other side. She commands the people of Ithaca to stop the feud. She prevents further vendetta, just as she will prevent further vendetta at the conclusion of the Eumenides of Aeschylus.

source

Leonard Muellner

analysis of the formulas with the three places where eukhesthai + dative has the shape eukh ˘ ˘ – [=short short long], with this verse showing a process analogous to what we see in I.11.736

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in a list of examples of eukhesthai + dative (formulas which report prayers)

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analysis of attestations of eukhesthai + aorist infinitive, here comparing with this verse (eukhesthai + dative) cases where a verse containing an infinitive is enjambed with a verse containing eukhesthai

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in a list of examples of eukhesthai + dative (formulas which report prayers)

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analysis of the formulas with the three places where eukhesthai + dative has the shape eukh ˘ ˘ – [=short short long], with this verse showing a process analogous to what we see in I.11.736

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analysis of the differentiation of blame in the Odyssey (vs. in the Iliad) and the muting of the mēnis theme in it, here especially regarding the suitors, their relatives, and Odysseus and his family

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Homer Odyssey 24.496

ed. A. T. Murray

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