#Translating ancient poems

[katerinaaqu]

Homer's Menelaus: Ah, I grieve for my best friend, the one who suffered more than any of us to the point I cannot sleep or eat! What accursed fate has befallen on that great man!

Eurypedes's Menelaus: Ah that blasted son of Sisiphus is a people pleaser addicted to the love of the crowd! He will do anything to give blood to please the mob! If he is onto us we're lost!

Like...Eurypedes my boy I love your writing on many aspects but...what the fuck? 😅😂

[lionofchaeronea]

An Epigram on Marcus Aurelius' Meditations

Anthologia Palatina XV.23, author unknown

If you wish to master grief, Open up this blessed book And come to it attentively-- Through it, you may easily see The richest way of thinking about What's to come, what is now, And what is past--how joy and pain Are no whit mightier than smoke.

εἰ λύπης κρατέειν ἐθέλεις, τήνδε μάκαιραν ἀναπτύσσων βίβλον ἐπέρχεο ἐνδυκέως, ἧς ὕπο γνώμην ὀλβίστην ῥεῖά κεν ὄψεαι ἐσσομένων, ὄντων ἠδὲ παροιχομένων, τερπωλὴν τ᾽ ἀνίην τε καπνοῦ μηδὲν ἀρειοτέρην.

[anniflamma]

Reading some poetry by Rumi that he wrote to/about Shams… Remember, guys! All that gay stuff is just metaphors!

"I became his flute and started crying when his lips touched me. I was blindly searching for his hand while all the while he was holding mine."

Like I said… It's just a metaphor for friendship!

[blvvdk3ep]

Don't mind me I'm just gonna stand in this corner and lose my mind over Joseph of Exeter's poem "De Bello Troiano" where Patroclus' severed head whispers, "Ultor ubi Aecides?" (Where is Achilles, my avenger?") after Hector slays him

[abissusandiuno]

KLYTAIMESTRA

Now you're making sense—

to call upon the thricegorged evil demon of this family.

Deep in its nerves is a lust to lick blood and no wound heals

before the next starts oozing.

- Agamemnon, Aiskhylos - translated by Anne Carson

[astravis]

Are there any nice Tokyo Ghoul metas dissecting nuances/differences between the official and fan translations?

This is something I’ve seen a lot of scattered posts nitpicking - well, with the official translation as fans often do - from awkward phrasings, to inconsistencies (including with terminology, I have Viz volumes). But surprisingly, as much as I’ve seen people complain about Viz, I haven’t found anyone go into a detailed comparison between official and fan translations. You’d think that’d be right up the alley of fans (especially) in the height of writing novels about tarot cards and flower symbolism :p

The only meta I could find on translation differences is this one that covers a single classic quote. (Albeit not including the raw)

But! To my surprise! Someone wrote a thesis comparing the accuracy of the translations. Based on the examples quoted, it looks like this is limited to volume 1. TLDR: Argues that Viz contains less errors overall and opts for natural flow over preserving the sentence structure.

I'm sure I've missed things that would be a good addition to this.

[unabashedqueenfury]

Reign 2013-2017

Mary and Francis

"Si chiama Andromaca. Si dice che Ettore la ami sopra ogni cosa."

[i-only-eat-four-leaf-clovers]

Translating seemingly untranstable poems #2

Hymn to Aphrodite 

This poem was written by the famous poetess Sappho. Most of her work was this destroyed : this might be the only remaining full poem. I gotta make use of the years I spent studying ancient greek, so this version is unique :) 

By the way this was translated from ancient greek to french to english, so I did use some translating tools to help me with the english part.

Ô immortal Aphrodite on your multicolored throne, 

daughter of Zeus, weaver of cunning, I implore you,

do not tame, neither through torment nor disgust, 

master, my heart,

But come over here, if some day already 

you heard my voice by listening from afar 

and, departing from your father’s home, 

you came 

Having hitched a golden carriage, 

beautiful swift sparrows guided you around the dark earth 

their compact wings beating through the sky 

in the midst of the ether : 

They approached rapidly. You, blissful, 

your immortal face smiling, 

you inquire what I am once again enduring,

what I request once more, 

and especially what I long to see flourish 

in my restless heart : Whom must I persuade again 

to lead into your love ? Who, ô Sappho, 

troubles you ? 

And if she indeed flees, promptly she’ll pursue you,  

if she refuses your presents, then she’ll give them to you, 

if she doesn’t cherish you, she’ll love you at once, 

although she doesn’t wish to. 

Come to me now, liberate me 

from my cruel worries, fulfill all 

my heart’s desires , once more  

be my ally. 

[felixravinstills]

I think in SOTR, Suzanne Collins should introduce a character named Lesbia Sparrow, and this can be like her Palamedes Sextus (Sex Pal), except unlike in Gideon the Ninth, the joke is never explained.

[poems-from-around-the-world]

"The ancient Greeks believed a stone fell to the ground" - Eldrid Lunden - Norway

Translator: Annabelle Despard (Norwegian)

The ancient Greeks believed a stone fell to the ground because it belonged there

We believe in gravity. But we feel that the Greeks’ idea is much more poetic

[raining-anonymously]

kennings can be such a tender thing

they can also be kind of rude

[henry-fox-biggest-stan]

I'm sorry but "Sappho wannabe" is the BEST first impression I've had of anyone ever

Thanks! And is 100% true.

I’m obsessed with her, she’s actually my favorite writer.

[lionofchaeronea]

Woe is me! That boy had arrows that hit the mark. I burn, and Love is king in my empty breast. Me miserum! certas habuit puer ille sagittas. Uror, et in vacuo pectore regnat Amor. -Ovid, Amores I.1.25-26

[blueheartbooks]

"Navigating the Epic Journey: A Review of The Odyssey by Homer, Translated by Rev. W. Lucas Collins M.A."

The Odyssey, an epic poem attributed to the ancient Greek poet Homer, is a timeless tale that transcends generations with its captivating narrative and profound themes. Reverend W. Lucas Collins M.A.'s translation of this classic work breathes new life into Homer's masterpiece, offering readers a fresh perspective on the epic journey of Odysseus as he strives to return home to Ithaca after the Trojan War.

At its core, The Odyssey is a story of perseverance, resilience, and the enduring power of the human spirit. Through the trials and tribulations faced by Odysseus during his ten-year voyage, Homer explores fundamental aspects of the human condition, from the complexities of identity and the importance of loyalty to the inevitability of fate and the consequences of hubris. Collins' translation expertly captures the essence of these themes, presenting them in a language that is accessible yet rich in poetic beauty.

One of the most striking aspects of Collins' translation is his ability to evoke the vivid imagery and rich symbolism present throughout The Odyssey. From the menacing Cyclops and the enchanting nymph Calypso to the treacherous whirlpool of Charybdis and the alluring song of the Sirens, each character and episode is rendered with precision and depth, transporting readers to the fantastical world of ancient Greece. Collins' mastery of language shines through in his poetic descriptions, allowing readers to immerse themselves fully in Odysseus' epic journey.

Moreover, Collins' translation preserves the rhythmic cadence and musicality of Homer's original verse, enhancing the reading experience and capturing the oral tradition from which The Odyssey emerged. The use of meter and rhythm adds a lyrical quality to the text, making it a pleasure to read aloud and further accentuating the epic nature of the tale. Whether experienced silently or recited aloud, Collins' translation ensures that the beauty and power of Homer's language are fully realized.

Beyond its literary merits, The Odyssey remains relevant today for its exploration of timeless themes and universal truths. As readers accompany Odysseus on his quest for homecoming, they are confronted with profound questions about the nature of heroism, the meaning of loyalty, and the pursuit of one's destiny. Through its enduring appeal and profound insights, The Odyssey continues to resonate with readers of all ages and backgrounds, cementing its status as one of the greatest works of world literature.

In conclusion, Reverend W. Lucas Collins M.A.'s translation of The Odyssey offers readers a masterful interpretation of Homer's epic poem, capturing the essence of the original while infusing it with new vitality and resonance. Through Collins' skillful rendering of Homer's timeless tale, readers are transported to a world of gods and monsters, heroes and villains, where the human spirit is tested and triumphs in the face of adversity. With its lyrical prose, rich imagery, and profound themes, The Odyssey remains an essential read for anyone seeking to embark on an unforgettable literary journey.

Homer's "Odyssey" is available in Amazon in paperback 12.99$ and hardcover 19.99$ editions.

Number of pages: 183

Language: English

Rating: 10/10                                           

Link of the book!

[blueheartbookclub]

"Navigating the Epic Journey: A Review of The Odyssey by Homer, Translated by Rev. W. Lucas Collins M.A."

The Odyssey, an epic poem attributed to the ancient Greek poet Homer, is a timeless tale that transcends generations with its captivating narrative and profound themes. Reverend W. Lucas Collins M.A.'s translation of this classic work breathes new life into Homer's masterpiece, offering readers a fresh perspective on the epic journey of Odysseus as he strives to return home to Ithaca after the Trojan War.

At its core, The Odyssey is a story of perseverance, resilience, and the enduring power of the human spirit. Through the trials and tribulations faced by Odysseus during his ten-year voyage, Homer explores fundamental aspects of the human condition, from the complexities of identity and the importance of loyalty to the inevitability of fate and the consequences of hubris. Collins' translation expertly captures the essence of these themes, presenting them in a language that is accessible yet rich in poetic beauty.

One of the most striking aspects of Collins' translation is his ability to evoke the vivid imagery and rich symbolism present throughout The Odyssey. From the menacing Cyclops and the enchanting nymph Calypso to the treacherous whirlpool of Charybdis and the alluring song of the Sirens, each character and episode is rendered with precision and depth, transporting readers to the fantastical world of ancient Greece. Collins' mastery of language shines through in his poetic descriptions, allowing readers to immerse themselves fully in Odysseus' epic journey.

Moreover, Collins' translation preserves the rhythmic cadence and musicality of Homer's original verse, enhancing the reading experience and capturing the oral tradition from which The Odyssey emerged. The use of meter and rhythm adds a lyrical quality to the text, making it a pleasure to read aloud and further accentuating the epic nature of the tale. Whether experienced silently or recited aloud, Collins' translation ensures that the beauty and power of Homer's language are fully realized.

Beyond its literary merits, The Odyssey remains relevant today for its exploration of timeless themes and universal truths. As readers accompany Odysseus on his quest for homecoming, they are confronted with profound questions about the nature of heroism, the meaning of loyalty, and the pursuit of one's destiny. Through its enduring appeal and profound insights, The Odyssey continues to resonate with readers of all ages and backgrounds, cementing its status as one of the greatest works of world literature.

In conclusion, Reverend W. Lucas Collins M.A.'s translation of The Odyssey offers readers a masterful interpretation of Homer's epic poem, capturing the essence of the original while infusing it with new vitality and resonance. Through Collins' skillful rendering of Homer's timeless tale, readers are transported to a world of gods and monsters, heroes and villains, where the human spirit is tested and triumphs in the face of adversity. With its lyrical prose, rich imagery, and profound themes, The Odyssey remains an essential read for anyone seeking to embark on an unforgettable literary journey.

Homer's "Odyssey" is available in Amazon in paperback 12.99$ and hardcover 19.99$ editions.

Number of pages: 183

Language: English

Rating: 10/10                                           

Link of the book!

Review By: King's Cat

[thespianwordnerd]

Would anyone be interested if I liveblogged my progress in Emily Wilson's Iliad so far. I have thoughts and thought you nerds might have fun discussing it too.