11-30-2012, 02:41 PM
Wild speculation ahead:
Could seeing the nymphs be a metaphor for returning to your native country?
Pro: The ancients loved to cite literature in obscure ways. The Romans also loved figures of speech, such as metaphors.
Con: If this was a sly nod to Homer, it is hard to explain the "naked" part. Homer seems to have liked the phrase "dark-tressed nymphs" or something similar. This phrase pops up often, like his "rosy-fingered dawn" or "wine-dark sea." If it was a reference to Ulysses returning home, I might have expected "dark-haired nymphs" instead of naked ones.
Quote:As [Minerva] spoke the goddess dispersed the mist and the land appeared. Then Ulysses rejoiced at finding himself again in his own land, and kissed the bounteous soil; he lifted up his hands and prayed to the nymphs, saying, "Naiad nymphs, daughters of Jove, I made sure that I was never again to see you, now therefore I greet you with all loving salutations, and I will bring you offerings as in the old days, if Jove's redoubtable daughter will grant me life, and bring my son to manhood."
Homer, Odyssey, Book 13
Could seeing the nymphs be a metaphor for returning to your native country?
Pro: The ancients loved to cite literature in obscure ways. The Romans also loved figures of speech, such as metaphors.
Con: If this was a sly nod to Homer, it is hard to explain the "naked" part. Homer seems to have liked the phrase "dark-tressed nymphs" or something similar. This phrase pops up often, like his "rosy-fingered dawn" or "wine-dark sea." If it was a reference to Ulysses returning home, I might have expected "dark-haired nymphs" instead of naked ones.
David J. Cord
www.davidcord.com
www.davidcord.com
