Odyssey 18.26

Odyssey · translated by Samuel Butler

To this Penelope replied, “Eurymachus, heaven robbed me of all my beauty whether of face or figure when the Argives set sail for Troy and my dear husband with them. If he were to return and look after my affairs, I should both be more respected and show a better presence to the world. As it is, I am oppressed with care, and with the afflictions which heaven has seen fit to heap upon me. My husband foresaw it all, and when he was leaving home he took my right wrist in his hand—‘Wife,’ he said, ‘we shall not all of us come safe home from Troy, for the Trojans fight well both with bow and spear. They are excellent also at fighting from chariots, and nothing decides the issue of a fight sooner than this. I know not, therefore, whether heaven will send me back to you, or whether I may not fall over there at Troy. In the meantime do you look after things here. Take care of my father and mother as at present, and even more so during my absence, but when you see our son growing a beard, then marry whom you will, and leave this your present home.’ This is what he said and now it is all coming true. A night will come when I shall have to yield myself to a marriage which I detest, for Jove has taken from me all hope of happiness. This further grief, moreover, cuts me to the very heart. You suitors are not wooing me after the custom of my country. When men are courting a woman who they think will be a good wife to them and who is of noble birth, and when they are each trying to win her for himself, they usually bring oxen and sheep to feast the friends of the lady, and they make her magnificent presents, instead of eating up other people’s property without paying for it.”

Odyssey 18.26 · Odyssey · 18

Themes in this passage

Marriage The Divine Family War Children Friendship Grief Hope

Marriage in other traditions

The same theme, as Hinduism and Christianity address it.

I am a wife devoted to my husband. I have come of my own accord, it is true. But do not, on that account, treat me with disrespect. I am thy wife and, therefore, deserve to be treated respectfully. Wilt thou not treat me so, because I have come hither of my own accord? In the presence of so many, why dost thou treat me like an ordinary woman? I am not certainly crying in the wilderness. Dost thou not hear me? But if thou refuse to do what I supplicate thee for, O Dushmanta, thy head this moment shall burst into a hundred pieces! The husband entering the womb of the wife cometh out himself in the form of the son. Therefore is the wife called by those cognisant of the Vedas as Jaya (she of whom one is born). And the son that is so born unto persons cognisant of the Vedic Mantras rescueth the spirits of deceased ancestors. And because the son rescueth ancestors from the hell call Put, therefore, hath he been called by the Self-create himself as Puttra (the rescuer from Put). By a son one conquereth the three worlds. By a son’s son, one enjoyeth eternity. And by a grandson’s son great-grand-fathers enjoy everlasting happiness. She is a true wife who is skilful in household affairs. She is a true wife who hath borne a son. She is a true wife whose heart is devoted to her lord. She is a true wife who knoweth none but her lord. The wife is a man’s half. The wife is the first of friends. The wife is the root of religion, profit, and desire. The wife is the root of salvation. They that have wives can perform religious acts. They that have wives can lead domestic lives. They that have wives have the means to be cheerful. They that have wives can achieve good fortune. Sweet-speeched wives are friends on occasions of joy. They are as fathers on occasions of religious acts. They are mothers in sickness and woe. Even in the deep woods to a traveller a wife is his refreshment and solace. He that hath a wife is trusted by all. A wife, therefore, is one’s most valuable possession.

Mbh 1.74.3b · Mahabharata · ADI PARVA

Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband.

1 Corinthians 7:3 · Bible · 1 Corinthians

1. I call the name of him that comes here, that hath come here, and is arriving; I crave (the name) of Indra, Vritra's slayer, the Visava, of hundredfold strength. 2. The road by which the Asvins carried away as a bride Sûryâ, Savitar's daughter,'by that road,' Bhaga (fortune) told me, 'thou shalt bring here a wife'! With thy wealth-procuring, great, golden hook, O Indra, husband of Sakî, procure a wife for me that desireth a wife!

AV 6.78 · Atharva Veda · 6

27 Happy be thou and prosper witlh thy children here: be vigilant to rule thy household in this home. 28 Her hue is blue and red: the fienod who clingeth close is driven off. 29 Give thou the woollen robe away: deal treasure to the Brahman priests. 30 Unlovely is his body when it glistens with this wicked fiend, 31 Consumptions, from her people, which follow the bride's resplendent train,− 32 Let not the highway thieves who lie in ambush find the wedded pair. 33 Signs of good fortune mark the bride come all of you and look at her. 34 Pungent is this, and bitter this, filled, as it were, with arrow−barbs, Empoisoned and.not fit for use. 35 The fringe, the cloth that decks her head, and then the triply parted robe,− 36 I take thy hand in mine for happy fortune that thou mayst reach old age with me thy husband. 37 O Pusan, send her on as most auspicious, her who shall be the sharer of my pleasures; 38 For thee, with bridal train, they, first, escorted Surya to her home. 39 Agni hath given the bride again with splendour and with ample life. 40 Soma obtained her first of all; next the Gandharva was her lord. 41 Soma to the Gandharva, and to Agni the Gandharva gave: 42 Be ye not parted; dwell ye here reach the full time of human life. 43 So may Prajapati bring children forth to us; may Aryaman adorn us till old age come nigh. 44 Not evil−eyed, no slayer of thy husband, bring weal to cattle, radiant, gentlehearted; 45 O Bounteous Indra, make this bride blest in her sons and fortunate. 46 Over thy husband's father and thy husband's mother bear full sway. 47 So may the Universal Gods, so may the Waters join our hearts.

RV 85 (6)b · Rig Veda · null

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