STORY 58:55 listening time
Odysseus listens to the Sirens. I pause to provide a historical review of how Sirens evolved over time, following Homer’s Odyssey. Odysseus then chooses between Charybdis and Scylla, and I pause to relate a seriously twisted “Scylla back-story”. And finally, we witness the incredibly disturbing deaths of all of Odysseus’ remaining crew.
COMMENTARY MY FAVORITE HOMER TRANSLATIONS … AND WHY 18:56 listening time
A quick primer on what makes a great Homer translation. I walk through the four essential tasks of a translator: translate, don’t paraphrase; capture the music of the Greek; use language modern readers can understand; and bring something fresh to the table. Along the way, I draw on Fagles, Mitchell, Wilson, and Pope to show how different translators rise to the challenge. And yes—at the end, I reveal my own personal favorites.
RELATED IMAGES
I struggle to find details – title of work, name of artist, date – for some images. If you can help, please forward information to me. Thanks. Jeff
- Bird Sirens, 5th c B.C.E.
- Bird-Woman Siren on Greek Vase
- Bird-Women Sirens
- Mermaid Sirens
- The Sirens and Ulysses, William Etty, 1787-1849
- Sirens, Leon-Auguste Adolphe Belly, 1827 – 1877
- 21st Century Sirens
- Scylla and Charybdis
- Scylla
- Cattle of the Sun God
- Odyssues surviving Charybdis












