Odyssey and Marching Inland- oar motif

Subject: Odyssey and Marching Inland- oar motif
From: GUEST
Date: 29 Nov 06 - 12:04 AM

In Homer's Odyssey, one of Odysseus' tasks is to march inland with an oar, until someone mistakes the oar for a 'winnowing fan'. This motif appears in Tom Lewis' "Marching Inland". Can anyone think of any other songs or tales that have taken this motif?
Mary

Subject: RE: Odyssey and Marching Inland- oar motif
From: Rowan
Date: 29 Nov 06 - 02:23 AM

I vaguely remember the motif occurring in approx 4 quite different songs I last heard about 30 years ago. It struck me then as a novel (the first time) and interesting motif and I wondered about its origins. Five years ago I read Fagles' translations of both the Iliad and the Odyssey and discovered the origins of this motif and several others. Ah, the wonders of a classical education!

Fagles' translations are a great read, as are the Introductions and glossaries that go with them.

Cheers, Rowan

Subject: RE: Odyssey and Marching Inland- oar motif
From: Leadfingers
Date: 29 Nov 06 - 04:52 AM

O A R ?? Is THAT How its spelt ! And all these years I was thinking it was a lady of horizontal enjoyment !!

Subject: RE: Odyssey and Marching Inland- oar motif
From: Snuffy
Date: 29 Nov 06 - 08:49 AM

It's always struck me as a pretty lame idea: do they not have rowing boats on inland rivers then?