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Author
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Comment
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aka Greensleeves
Registered User
(4/11/06 4:15 pm)
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Greek/Odyssey question
I'm looking for the Greek word for when Odysseus refers to himself as "No-One" or "No-Man." He does this certainly when escaping from Polyphemus the cyclops; and maybe also when he finally arrives home to Ithaca? The word I have from Graves in The Greek Myths is Oudeis, but I wanted to double check that. My actual translations of The Odyssey also translate this, so I'm having trouble tracking it down.
Anyone?
(Does my question even make sense?)
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nimiane
Registered User
(4/13/06 8:29 pm)
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Re: Greek/Odyssey question
I don't really understand what your question is, but I do believe it's correct where Odysseus says "nobody" - "ou tis" or 'not anybody'
I'm not sure if he uses this term when he returns to Ithaca.
But an interesting usage of this greek word that relates to Odysseus' general character might be that when the cyclops' ask Polyphemus what's going on
he replies, "nobody's killing me..."
and they respond "If nobody's hurting you...", they use the word "me tis", because that's how 'nobody' is said after the word 'if'. And 'metis' sounds exactly like another greek word for craft, cunning. So it's like they're also saying "if (odysseus')craft and cunning are hurting you...".
(that's according to the notes in Fagles' translation)
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catja1
Registered User
(4/15/06 3:10 pm)
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Re: Greek/Odyssey question
What nimiane said. There are a few puns and plays on words in names throughout the Odyssey; Homer makes the most of the "ou tis-Odysseus, me tis-metis" potential, as she said. Then there's Antinous, leader of the suitors ("no (anti-) mind"), and Eurykleia, O's old nurse ("broad fame" -- blabbermouth!).
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aka Greensleeves
Registered User
(4/16/06 3:25 pm)
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Re: Greek/Odyssey question
Thank you! That's what I was looking for.
Isn't the Fagles amazing? I've bought copies as gifts, but, alas, don't own it myself.
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Veronica Schanoes
Registered User
(4/16/06 4:28 pm)
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odyssey
The Fagles is beautiful--it was the first Odyssey translation I read. But a few years ago, I read the Lombardo, and it was as good as the Fagles, and then more so!
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