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In the heart of Vathy, the bustling capital of Ithaca, stands a tribute to one of antiquity’s greatest poets – the bust of Homer. Crafted with reverence and skill by the esteemed sculptor Stathis Alexopoulos, this masterpiece adorns the central square, serving as a timeless reminder of the island’s rich literary heritage.
Sponsored by the generous patronage of Gerasimos K. Vallatos, the bust of Homer stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the ancient bard. Engraved upon its surface is an excerpt from the oracle of Delphi to the Emperor of Rome, Hadrian, immortalizing the lineage of Ithaca’s famed hero:
“ΕΔΟΣ Δ’ ΙΘΑΚΗΣΙΟΣ ΕΣΤΙΝ ΤΗΛΕΜΑΧΟΣ ΔΕ ΠΑΤΗΡ ΚΑΙ ΝΕΣΤΟΡΕΗ.ΕΠΙΚΑΣΤΗ ΜΗΤΗΡ, ΗΜΙΝ ΕΤΙΚΤΕ ΒΡΟΤΩΝ ΠΟΛΥ ΠΑΝΣΟΦΟΝ ΑΝΔΡΑ”.
Translated, it reads: “The land of Ithaca is the realm of Telémachus, his father is wise Odysseus, and his grandfather is Nestor. Epicaste was his mother, who bore for us a man of great wisdom among mortals.”
As visitors gather in the shadow of Homer’s likeness, they are invited to ponder the profound impact of his words on the world of literature and beyond. For in this humble square, amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday life, the spirit of the ancient bard lives on, inspiring all who pause to reflect upon his timeless wisdom.
