14 Apollo reveals himself to the Cretan Sailors (449-485)
He
flew
back
to
the
ship
–swift as a thought–
His appearance:
human, now–
fit and strong,
an adolescent in his prime,
long-hair covering broad shoulders. 450
To the sailors, he spoke
— winged words which flew straight to the heart —
“Who are you, strangers?
What was the origin of your voyage across the watery paths?
Do you come to trade something?
Or do you roam the sea without good purpose like:
pirates on the sea, roaming idly, laying in ambush,
risking their very lives to bring evil to strangers? 455
Also: why are you just sitting there, with troubled looks on your faces?
You have not jumped down here onto the ground.
You have not even loosened the sails of your black ship yet!
Don’t you know the custom for all humans,
if they have been hard-working?
when their black ship finally reaches land —
the whole crew exhausted by weary labour– 460
they immediately focus on filling their hunger
with the sweetness of bread.”
His words — though formed as questions —
reminded them of who they were and
began to rekindle the breath of spirit which had left their chest.
To him, the Cretan leader finally dared to reply, addressing him directly:
“Greetings, strange friend.
Since, judging by your stature and physique you are noble:
not resembling other mortals
so much as you resemble the immortal gods. 465
Let me first wish you
happiness,
joy,
and that the gods grant you many blessings.
In response please answer me truthfully and clear up my confusion:
What land is this?
What territory?
By what name do the mortals born here call themselves?
[But now, despite my pain at the answers
I have the spirit to answer the questions you posed.]
[As to our origin and purpose:]
Know that we set out across the vast depths aiming at a different destination.
We sought to trade at Pylos
We sailed from Crete,
which is is the land we are proud to claim as our home and origin.470
[As to why here and why we appear frightened:]
we did not arrive here intentionally;
Indeed, we are eager to leave
to find for some other road or path back home.
But though we did not wish it [and though it brings us great fear],
we were brought here
for an unknown purpose
by an unknown god.”
He whose-works-are-far-known
King Apollo
responded, saying:
“Friends, Guests,
you lived in forested Knossos… 475
…
once.
Now
there will be no return journey
to that city — well-loved though it is
or to your homes — however beautiful
or to your wives — once dear.
instead, here,
–near to my temple
rich with sacrificial fat,
honoured by countless humans–
you will live
for the rest of your lives.
For I am
Apollo,
And Zeus is my father —
this is my proud claim of origin. 480
It was I who brought you
here, far across the depths of the sea.
Be not afraid:
it was not for a malicious purpose!
Instead, I have done this so that
here, for —
my temple
rich with sacrificial fat,
honoured by countless humans —
you will be
sacred temple wardens and
keepers of the divine plan,
at least,
whatever the immortals intend to divulge,
and for that,
you will be
honoured always in the days to come. 485