Saturday, December 26, 2009

Athena and the Iliad

Notice that Athena is referred to by her Roman name in the passage below (Minerva).


Athena, 2nd century Ad,


"Then Pallas Minerva put valour into the heart of Diomed, son of
Tydeus, that he might excel all the other Argives, and cover
himself with glory. She made a stream of fire flare from his
shield and helmet like the star that shines most brilliantly in
summer after its bath in the waters of Oceanus--even such a fire
did she kindle upon his head and shoulders as she bade him speed
into the thickest hurly-burly of the fight."

Homer - The Iliad V
Translated by S. Butler

No comments: