Simple Japanese
Then, he placed a cup of sweet wine in Athena's hand. Athena was pleased with this thoughtful and just person, because he had offered her the golden cup before she had done so herself. Immediately, Athena fervently prayed to Poseidon, the lord of the sea: "Hear me, Poseidon who embraces the earth. Grant us what we ask for, and do not refuse to allow us to complete this task. First, grant honor to Nestor and his sons. Then, bestow blessings upon all the people of Pylos who offered you the famous hecatomb. Furthermore, allow Telemachus and me to fulfill our duty and return home. We have come here in a swift black ship for that purpose." Athena prayed thus, and she herself brought it about. She gave Telemachus a beautiful cup with handles on both sides. Telemachus' beloved son also prayed in the same way.
| Words and phrases. | Translation note. |
|---|---|
| Poseidon. | This is a god related to the sea and earthquakes. Athena prays for people who offer sacrifices at Pyrrhus's banquet to this god. |
| Hekatonbe. | This is a sacrificial offering to the gods, where many livestock are sacrificed. Here, the people of Pyrrhus are sacrificing bulls to Poseidon. |
They roasted the outside of the meat, and when they removed it from the skewers, they divided it into portions and enjoyed a glorious feast. Having satisfied their hunger for food and drink, Gerenian rider Nestor spoke to everyone. "Now is the time to ask our guests who they are. Since you have already finished eating. Guests, who are you? From where did you sail on the waterways? Do you have some purpose, or are you simply wandering aimlessly? Are you like pirates adrift at sea, risking your lives and bringing misfortune to others?"
The thoughtful Telemachus, gaining courage, answered Nestor. Athena herself was instilling courage in his heart. He inquired about the whereabouts of his missing father, so that he might gain a distinguished reputation among the people.
"Nestor, son of Neleus, great glory of the Achaeans. You asked us where we came from. Let me tell you. We come from Ithaka, at the foot of Mount Neriton. The matter I speak of is a personal one, not for the entire people. I am searching for news of my father, Odysseus, whose fame spreads far and wide. He is like a god in his endurance. People say that he fought with you and conquered Troy."
| Words and phrases. | Translation note. |
|---|---|
| Nestor. | He is a king of Pylos, an old general who has returned from the Trojan War. Telemachus is asking about his father's whereabouts. |
| Naiyon Mountain. | It is a mountain located in Itake. Here, Telemachus explains his place of origin. |
We have heard about the others who fought against Troy, and how each of them met a tragic end. But concerning my father's death, Cronus' son withheld the news. No one can say for certain where he lost his life. Was it on land, struck down by an enemy? Or was it at sea, amidst Amphitrite's waves?
| Words and phrases. | Translation note. |
|---|---|
| Amphitrite. | It is a name of a sea goddess. In poetry, it can be used to refer to the sea itself. |
That is why I have come to your feet. If you would, please tell me about my father's sad end. Whether you saw it with your own eyes, or if someone told you about my wandering father. His mother bore him as one who would suffer even more hardships. Please do not comfort me or pity me with sweet words. Please tell me exactly what you witnessed, honestly. I beg you. If my father, the noble Odysseus, ever made a promise to you, or if he undertook and completed something in word or deed while in Troy, please remember it and tell me truthfully.