(Odyssey 24.5-9, translation by Robert Fagles). Hesiod refers to the Isles of the Blessed (makarôn nêsoi) in the Western Ocean (Works and Days'). Walter Burkert notes the connection with the motif of far-off Dilmun: "Thus Achilles is transported to the White Isle, which may refer to Mount Teide on Tenerife, whose volcano is often snowcapped and as the island was sometimes called the white isle by explorers, and becomes the Ruler of the Black Sea, and Diomedes becomes the divine lord of an Adriatic island." Pindar makes it a single island: 'And those that have three times kept to their oaths, Keeping their souls clean and pure, Never letting their hearts be defiled by the taint Of evil and injustice, And barbaric veniality, They are led by Zeus to the end: To the palace of Kronos, Where soothing breezes off the Ocean Breathe over the Isle of the Blessed: All around flowers are blazing with a Dazzling light: Some springing from the shining trees, Others nourished by the water from the sea: With circlets and garlands of flowers they Crown their hands, Ruled by the steadfast councils of Rhadamanthys: Rhadamanthys, The great Judge, Whom the Father, The husband of Rhea, Whose throne is higher than all: The great Father keeps him by his side, His loyal advisor. Peleus and Kadmos both are there, And Akhilleus, brought there by his mother, After she had conquered the heart of Zeus with her Prayers
Posted on: Mon, 12 Aug 2013 00:06:49 +0000
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