Classical Dorkness

[athene]

I just found out the coolest thing from the translation of The Odyssey that I'm reading.

In Book 9 when Odysseus tells Polyphemus that his name is "Nobody" he uses the words ou tis (outis). Then after Odysseus blinds the cyclops, he cries out that "Nobody" (outis) is hurting him. But, when the other Cyclopses say "If nobody is hurting you, why are you complaning?" they have to use me because it's a conditional. Therefore they are saying me tis but it sounds just like metis which is the Greek word for cunning and craftiness and often associated with Odysseus. So it really is metis that has gotten Polyphemus in the end.

*G* It's just too cool!!

xposted in classics

Comments

cool!

[athanata.livejournal.com]

wow! i never noticed that! that's so neat! :) I forwarded your email to my sister (also a classics major - who is currently reading it) and she too was impressed. i'll make sure that she footnotes you in her paper :)

Re: cool!

[athene.livejournal.com]

she should really footnote the translation that i'm reading b/c it was in the translator notes for that that i found the info.

[steppenwolff.livejournal.com]

neat:) i wonder it it would be worth the time to learn the classical languages... think of what we could make our own opinions on... bible, ancient myths... the histories and philosophies... so much that we take somebody else's word on. alas, our limited lifespan and the need for food and shelter.:)