The Argonautica · Chapter
The Translator's Epilogue explained
This epilogue discusses the life and work of Apollonius of Rhodes, author of the Argonautica.
What happens
This epilogue discusses the life and work of Apollonius of Rhodes, author of the Argonautica. It covers his conflict with the literary establishment of Alexandria, led by Callimachus, his initial failure and subsequent success in Rhodes, and his eventual return to Alexandria as head of the Museum. The text also analyzes the originality of the Argonautica, its relationship to Homeric epics, and its influence on later poets like Virgil.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Breaking point
This excerpt marks the dramatic climax because Medea reaches an emotional and psychological peak of terror and…
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Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- The Role of the Poet and Literary Tradition
The epilogue explores Apollonius's struggle to create an original epic within the Homeric tradition, his conflict with Callimachus's literary dogma, and his eventual vindication.
- Quest and Adventure
The Argonautica itself is a quest narrative, and the epilogue highlights its adventurous episodes like the passage of the Clashing Crags and the ploughing with the brazen bulls.
Characters to notice
- Apollonius
The poet and author of the Argonautica, whose life and literary career are the subject of this epilogue.
- Callimachus
The influential President of the Museum and literary critic who opposed Apollonius's epic.
Key passages
“For Apollonius the problem was how to write an epic which should be modelled on the Homeric epics, yet be so completely different as to suggest, not resemblance, but contrast.”
Apollonius aimed to create an epic that followed Homeric models but was deliberately distinct in style and content.
This encapsulates the central literary challenge and achievement of the Argonautica.
“The Argonautica could not have been written without the Iliad and Odyssey, but it is in no sense an echo of either.”
While the Argonautica is indebted to Homer's epics, it is not a mere imitation.
This emphasizes the originality of Apollonius's work.
