Homer
Greek · Poetry · Epigram · Epic
3 works · 48,862 aligned sentences
μῆνιν ἄειδε θεὰ Πηληϊάδεω Ἀχιλῆος.
Sing, goddess, the anger of Peleus' son Achilles.
Ilias 1.1
Homeric Epigrams
The Homeric Epigrams is a collection of short verse poems traditionally attributed to the legendary ancient Greek poet Homer, exploring a wide range of themes. Many of these poems are spoken from the perspective of a wandering, homeless poet, beginning with laments over a harsh fate and prayers for safe travel and welcoming communities. The middle section depicts dynamic interactions with various aspects of ancient life, including prayers to gods of the sea and earth, warnings to sailors, playful negotiations with potters, and festive blessings of wealth for hospitable households. The collection concludes with a famous riddle exchange between the poet and young fishermen. Through these diverse verses, the work presents a vivid contrast between the poet's melancholy exile and the rustic, vibrant daily life and religious devotion of ancient Greek society.
Poetry17 chunks · §1.1-1.5–§17.1-17.4227 aligned sentencesRead →Iliad
The Iliad is an epic poem that centers on the devastating wrath of Achilleus, the greatest warrior of the Achaean (Greek) army, during the final year of the Trojan War. Angered by a bitter conflict with the commander-in-chief Agamemnon over a captive maiden, Achilleus withdraws from combat, causing the leaderless Greeks to suffer heavy losses under the fierce onslaught of the Trojan prince Hektor. In desperate need, Achilleus's beloved companion Patroklos enters the fray wearing Achilleus's armor, but he is ultimately slain by Hektor. Devastated and fueled by a relentless desire for vengeance, Achilleus reconciles with Agamemnon and returns to the battlefield, where he brutally kills Hektor and desecrates his corpse. The epic concludes not with the fall of Troy, but with the poignant encounter between Achilleus and the aged Trojan King Priamos, who begs for his son's body, leading to a shared moment of grief and the solemn funeral of Hektor.
Poetry226 chunks · §1.1-1.69–§24.738-24.80426,411 aligned sentencesRead →Odyssey
The Odyssey is an epic poem that chronicles the arduous ten-year journey of the clever hero Odysseus as he strives to return home to Ithaca after the fall of Troy. The story begins with his young son, Telemachus, who, guided by the goddess Athena, embarks on a journey to find news of his long-absent father. In the middle section, Odysseus himself escapes the island of Calypso and washes ashore in Phaeacia, where he recounts his legendary adventures, including his encounters with the Cyclops Polyphemus, the witch Circe, a descent into the Underworld, and the monster Scylla. Upon returning to Ithaca disguised as a beggar, Odysseus reunites with Telemachus and his loyal servants to plot revenge. By successfully completing a test of the great bow, he slaughters the insolent suitors who have plagued his palace and courted his wife, Penelope. Finally, Odysseus reunites with Penelope and his aging father, Laertes, before Athena intervenes to establish a lasting peace in his kingdom.
Poetry173 chunks · §1.1-1.76–§24.482-24.54822,224 aligned sentencesRead →