The Odyssey: A Modern Sequel
First published 1938 · Greek · 824 pages
- Novels
- Myth and legend
An epic poem of more than thirty thousand lines that continues the story of Homer's hero after his return to Ithaca. Odysseus, restless in his old home, sets out again on a new voyage that takes him across the Mediterranean and far beyond, meeting kings, rebels, thinkers and figures from history and myth. Kazantzakis used it to explore his own philosophy of freedom, struggle and the search for meaning. Ambitious and vast, it is regarded as the major work of his poetic life.
Quotes
O Sun, great Oriental, my proud mind's golden cap,I love to wear you cocked askew and to burst in songto rouse our hearts, so long as you and I both live.
The rosy mountain peaks laughed like high lustrous thoughts,and Helen, speechless, raised her pale hands toward the sunand joyed to feel its warm rays falling on her frozen palms.
Thus night with all her snares passed through the upper worldand baited all heads sweetly, fed all foolish hopes,for night can bring to men all shrewish day denies,wrapped as a gift in the green leaves of opiate dream.
Death gestured with his hands and bade the king thrice welcome.