# The Translator's Epilogue explained — The Argonautica

> Chapter companion for The Argonautica by Apollonius of Rhodes.

## 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.

## Themes 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_argonautica_se/chapters/the-translator-s-epilogue
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_argonautica_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_argonautica_se/chapters