I've recently finished reading Madeline Miller's The Song Of Achilles, an homage to the Iliad that centres on the relationship between Achilles and his philtatos - most beloved - Patroclus. I absolutely adored reading it, not only because Miller's voice is hugely respectful of the Iliad's poetry, but also because it infuses the epic with small, humble, glowing moments of every day life storytelling (she writes so well!). [Also, it makes the 2004 disastrous movie Troy look like the disaster that it is - GET IN THE BIN FOREVER, TROY!]
I liked Song of Achilles because it is a re-writing, but not a betrayal. In my mind, it represented a perfect act of translation.
It also awakened the sleeping monster that is my love for Ancient Greek and Latin literature, so I decided to do an Ancient Greek themed translation post.
Here, then, are two epigrams (small fragments) by Nossis from Locris (in the 3rd century, a region in southern Italy). The reason why I decided to post these two epigrams is precisely their contemporary feel, or better, the ways in which I felt I could apply them to the contemporary.
The first is a poem written to appreciate the grace and wisdom of another woman, and I love it and cherish it, and god knows how necessary it is to read this now. It reminded me of a few scenes in the recent film Booksmart, in which the two main female character shout random compliments at each other for a few minutes and it is just SO NICE TO WATCH.
The second is a request to remember her own name as that of a poet, and I think it really gestures to the struggles that women constantly face for the recognition of their voices within the Western canon. I hope that you like them, and also think them somewhat illuminating!
Greek text will be included, and the Italian version will be underneath, as usual.
1)
Γνωτὰ καὶ τηνῶθε Σαβαιθίδος εἴδεται ἔμμεν ἅδ' εἰκὼν μορφᾷ καὶ μεγαλοφροσύνᾳ. θάεο· τὰν πινυτὰν τό τε μείλιχον αὐτόθι τήνας ἔλπομ' ὁρῆν· χαίροις πολλά, μάκαιρα γύναι.
Even from afar, Sabetis' face
is recognizable, filled as it is with such form and dignity.
Abandon yourself and contemplate it; it is the very image
of her wisdom and sweetness. Be praised, you marvellous woman!
2)
Ὦ Ξεῖν', εἰ τύ γε πλεῖς ποτὶ καλλίχορον Μιτυλάναν τᾶν Σαπφοῦς χαρίτων ἄνθος ἐωαυσόμενος, εἰπειν, ὡς Μούσαισι φίλαν τήνα τε Λοκρὶς γᾶ τίκτε μ' ἴσαν χὤς μοι τοὔνομα Νοσσίς, ἴθι.
O stranger, if you will sail forth to Mytilene, of-the-beautiful-choirs,
In order to pick, there, the best flower out of Sappho’s graces,
Tell them I was dear to the Muses, and that the land of Locris bore me.
My name, remember it, is Nossis. Now go!
ITALIAN VERSION
1)
Anche da lontano appare riconoscibile l’effigie di Sabétide, piena di forma e maestà. Abbandonati a contemplarla: ti par di vedervi di lei la saggezza e la dolcezza. Lode a te, mirabile donna!
2)
Straniero, se navigando ti recherai a Mitilene dai bei cori,
per cogliervi il fior fiore delle grazie di Saffo, dì che fui cara alle Muse, e la terra Locrese mi generò. Il mio nome, ricordalo, è Nosside. Ora va’!
x