sappho prayer to aphrodite sappho prayer to aphrodite

These things I think Zeus 7 knows, and so also do all the gods. The irony of again and again giving "Sappho" what she wants most of all, only for her to move on to another affection, is not lost on Aphroditeand the irony of the situation for Sapphos listeners is only heightened by the fact that even these questions are part of a recollection of a love that she has since moved on from! Deathless Aphrodite, throned in flowers, Daughter of Zeus, O terrible enchantress, With this sorrow, with this anguish, break my spirit. She completed, The Center for Hellenic Studies in Washington and Greece would like to express our sincerest condolences to the family of. Asking what I sought, thus hopeless in desiring,Wildered in brain, and spreading nets of passion Alas, for whom? So, basically, its a prayer. 5 But come here [tuide], if ever at any [] The moral of the hymn to Aphrodite is that love is ever-changing, fickle, and chaotic. She doesn't directly describe the pains her love causes her: she suggests them, and allows Aphrodite to elaborate. Hear anew the voice! In the original Greek version of this poem, Aphrodite repeats the phrase once again this time three times between stanzas four and six. the clear-sounding song-loving lyre. It has been established that Sappho was born around 615 BCE to an aristocratic family on the Greek island of Lesbos during a period of a great artistic rebirth on the island. p. 395; Horat. . Hymn to Aphrodite By Sappho Beautiful-throned, immortal Aphrodite, Daughter of Zeus, beguiler, I implore thee, Weigh me not down with weariness and anguish O thou most holy! and love for the sun See how to enable JavaScript in your browser. 5 She had been raised by the goddess Hera, who cradled her in her arms like a tender seedling. [] In the poem we find grounds for our views about her worship of Aphrodite, [] her involvement in the thasos, [] and her poetic . I really leave you against my will.. .] At the same time, as an incantation, a command directed towards Aphrodite presents her as a kind of beloved. Sappho creates a remembered scene, where Aphrodite descended from Olympus to assist her before: " as once when you left your father's/Golden house; you yoked to your shining car your/wing-whirring sparrows;/Skimming down the paths of the sky's bright ether/ O n they brought you over the earth's . She asks Aphrodite to instead aid her as she has in the past. The repetition of soft sounds like w and o add to the lyrical, flowing quality of these stanzas and complement the image of Aphrodites chariot moving swiftly through the sky. In this poem, Sappho expresses her desperation and heartbrokenness, begging Aphrodite to be the poets ally. I often go down to Brighton Beach in order to commune with Aphrodite. his purple cloak. 9 But may he wish to make his sister [kasignt] [10] worthy of more honor [tm]. What now, while I suffer: why now. [c][28] The poem contains few clues to the performance context, though Stefano Caciagli suggests that it may have been written for an audience of Sappho's female friends. Thou alone, Sappho, art sole with the silence, Sole with night and dreams that are darkness, weaving 1.16. IS [hereafter PAGE]. 13. "Hymn to Aphrodite by Sappho". Coming from heaven Sappho had several brothers, married a wealthy man named Cercylas and had a daughter, Cleis. Seizure Sappho wrote poems about lust, longing, suffering, and their connections to love. [20] The speaker is identified in the poem as Sappho, in one of only four surviving works where Sappho names herself. 17. work of literature, but our analysis of its religious aspects has been in a sense also literary; it is the contrast between the vivid and intimate picture of the epiphany and the more formal style of the framework in which it is set that gives the poem much of its charm. Sappho refers to Aphrodite as the "daughter of Zeus." This is an interesting reflection on the dichotomy between Aphrodite's two birth myths. Come, as in that island dawn thou camest, Billowing in thy yoked car to Sappho. Some sources claim that Aphrodite was born of the sea foam from Kronos' dismembered penis, whereas others say that Aphrodite was the daughter of Zeus and Dione. Still, it seems that, even after help from the gods, Sappho always ends up heartbroken in the end. Describing the goddesss last visit, Sappho uses especially lush imagery. Superior as the singer of Lesbos A.D. 100; by way of Photius Bibliotheca 152153 Bekker), the first to dive off the heights of Cape Leukas, the most famous localization of the White Rock, was none other than Aphrodite herself, out of love for a dead Adonis. For you have no share in the Muses roses. But I sleep alone. She names Aphrodite in connection with the golden mansions of Olympos and Aphrodites father, Zeus. just as girls [parthenoi] who are age-mates [of the bride] love to do sweet-talk [hupo-kor-izesthai] in their songs sung in the evening for their companion [hetaira = the bride]. are the sparrow, the dove, the swan, the swallow, and a bird called iynx. you anointed yourself. Taller than a tall man! 3 The girl [pais] Ast [. It is believed that Sappho may have belonged to a cult that worshiped Aphrodite with songs and poetry. They say that Leda once found Sappho addresses the goddess, stating that Aphrodite has come to her aid often in the past. The marriage is accomplished as you prayed. The Ode to Aphrodite (or Sappho fragment 1[a]) is a lyric poem by the archaic Greek poet Sappho, who wrote in the late seventh and early sixth centuries BCE, in which the speaker calls on the help of Aphrodite in the pursuit of a beloved. Finally, in stanza seven of Hymn to Aphrodite, Sappho stops reflecting on her past meetings with Aphrodite and implores the Goddess to come to her, just as she did before. In Homer's Iliad Hera the goddess of family and Athena the goddess of wisdom and warfare are in a chariot to attend the battle. Why, it just, You see, the moment I look at you, right then, for me. Yet the stanza says nothing specific about this particular woman. But I love luxuriance [(h)abrosun]this, Sappho's Prayer to Aphrodite (Fragment 1 V. [] ) holds a special place in Greek Literature.The poem is the only one of Sappho's which survives complete. Compared to Aphrodite, Sappho is earthly, lowly, and weighed down from experiencing unrequited love. She was born probably about 620 BCE to an aristocratic family on the island of Lesbos during a great cultural flowering in the area. When you lie dead, no one will remember you The poet is practically hyperventilating and having a panic attack from the pain of her heartbreak. This final repetition of the phrase once again this time (which was omitted from earlier places in this poem so it could fit into nice English meter) makes even more implications. The Hymn to Aphrodite by Sappho is an ancient lyric in which Sappho begs for Aphrodites help in managing her turbulent love life. In stanza six, we find a translation issue. Nevertheless, she reassured Sappho that her prayer would be answered, and that the object of her affection would love her in return. Iridescent-throned Aphrodite, deathless Child of Zeus, wile-weaver, I now implore you, Don't--I beg you, Lady--with pains and torments Crush down my spirit, But before if ever you've heard my. And there is dancing Sappho's fragments are about marriage, mourning, family, myth, friendship, love, Aphrodite. Beautifully [ back ] 2. Whoever is not happy when he drinks is crazy. Even with the help of the Goddess in the past, Sappho could not keep the affection of her lover, and she is left constantly having to fight for love with everything she has. While the poems "Sappho" is concerned with immediate gratification, the story that the poet Sappho tells is deeply aware of the passage of time, and invested in finding emotion that transcends personal history. The seriousness with which Sappho intended the poem is disputed, though at least parts of the work appear to be intentionally humorous. March 9, 2015. 23 1 Close by, , 2 O Queen [potnia] Hera, your [] festival [eort], 3 which, vowed-in-prayer [arsthai], the Sons of Atreus did arrange [poien] 4 for you, kings that they were, [5] after first having completed [ek-telen] great labors [aethloi], 6 around Troy, and, next [apseron], 7 after having set forth to come here [tuide], since finding the way 8 was not possible for them 9 until they would approach you (Hera) and Zeus lord of suppliants [antiaos] [10] and (Dionysus) the lovely son of Thyone. Contribute to chinapedia/wikipedia.en development by creating an account on GitHub. 8 To become ageless [a-gra-os] for someone who is mortal is impossible to achieve. 2 The references to Zeus in both the first and second stanza tacitly acknowledge that fact; each time, the role of Aphrodite as child of Zeus is juxtaposed against her position in the poem as an ally with whom "Sappho" shares a personal history. Her name inspired the terms 'sapphic' and 'lesbian', both referencing female same-sex relationships. once I am intoxicated, with eyebrows relaxed. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of Sappho: Poems and Fragments. However, by stanza seven, the audience must remember that Sappho is now, once again, calling Aphrodite for help. Keith Stanley argues that these lines portray Aphrodite "humorous[ly] chiding" Sappho,[37] with the threefold repetition of followed by the hyperbolic and lightly mocking ', ', ; [d][37]. "Fragment 1" is an extended address from Sappho to Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love. Forgotten by pickers. [19] Its structure follows the three-part structure of ancient Greek hymns, beginning with an invocation, followed by a narrative section, and culminating in a request to the god. Her main function is to arouse love, though not in an earthly manner; her methods are those of immortal enchantment. Yet, in the fourth stanza, Aphrodites questions are asked in the speaker's voice, using the first person. The focal emphasis defines the substance of the prayer: Aphrodite, queen of deception, make my beloved blind to any attraction but me. While most of Sapphos poems only survive in small fragments, the Hymn to Aphrodite is the only complete poem we have left of Sapphos work. She is the personification of the female principle in nature. [1] Muse, tell me the deeds of golden Aphrodite the Cyprian, who stirs up sweet passion in the gods and subdues the tribes of mortal men and birds that fly in air and all the many creatures [5] that the dry land rears, and all that the sea: all these love the deeds of rich-crowned Cytherea. 13 [. Book transmission is a tricky business, and often, when working with handwritten copies of ancient texts, modern scholars must determine if specific words include typos or if the mistakes were deliberate. Though now he flies, ere long he shall pursue thee; Save me from anguish; give me all I ask for. 27 Sappho was an archaic Greek poet from the island of Lesbos. Sappho also uses the image of Aphrodites chariot to elevate and honor the goddess. Where will you go when youve left me?, Ill never come back to you, bride, to make any sound at all wont work any more. All things, all life, all men and women incomplete. even when you seemed to me Hymenaon, Sing the wedding song! 8 Burn and set on fire her soul [pskh], her heart [kardia], her liver, and her breath with love for Sophia whose mother is Isara. While Aphrodite flies swiftly from the utmost heights of heaven, Sappho is on earth, calling up. Sappho 31 (via Longinus, On sublimity): Sappho 44 (The Wedding of Hector and Andromache). 3 [. The imagery Sappho: Poems and Fragments study guide contains a biography of Sappho, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis. "Throned in splendor, deathless, O Aphrodite" is a prayer to Aphrodite to intercede and "set [her] free from doubt and sorrow." The woman Sappho desires has not returned her love. Others say that, in the vicinity of the rocks at Athenian Kolonos, he [Poseidon], falling asleep, had an emission of semen, and a horse Skuphios came out, who is also called Skirnits [the one of the White Rock]. .] The poetry truly depicts a realistic picture of the bonds of love. [36] Aphrodite's speech in the fourth and fifth stanzas of the poem has also been interpreted as lighthearted. nigga you should've just asked ms jovic for help, who does the quote involving "quick sparrows over the black earth whipping their wings down the sky through mid air" have to do with imagery and fertility/sexuality. someone will remember us 4 Likewise, love can find a middle ground. . Chanted its wild prayer to thee, Aphrodite, Daughter of Cyprus; Now to their homes are they gone in the city, Pensive to dream limb-relaxed while the languid Slaves come and lift from the tresses they loosen, Flowers that have faded. One of her poems is a prayer to Aphrodite, asking the goddess to come and help her in her love life. Because you are dear to me 1 Everything about Nikomakhe, all her pretty things and, come dawn, 2 as the sound of the weaving shuttle is heard, all of Sapphos love songs [oaroi], songs [oaroi] sung one after the next, 3 are all gone, carried away by fate, all too soon [pro-hria], and the poor 4 girl [parthenos] is lamented by the city of the Argives. for a tender youth. 33 And you came, leaving your father's house, yoking your chariot of gold. Rather than shying away from her debt, "Sappho" leans into her shared history with the goddess and uses it to leverage her request, come here if ever before/you caught my voice far off. Aphrodite has an obligation to help her because she has done so in the past. <<More>> The persecution of Psykhe . If she is not taking gifts, soon she will be giving them. [3] It is also partially preserved on Papyrus Oxyrhynchus 2288, a second-century papyrus discovered at Oxyrhynchus in Egypt. The actual text of the poem was quoted by Dionysus, an orator who lived in Rome about 30 B.C. . But now, in accordance with your sacred utterance, a shade amidst the shadowy dead. Sappho: Poems and Fragments literature essays are academic essays for citation. During Sappho's lifetime, coins of ***** were minted with her image. SAPPHO'S PRAYER TO APHRODITE. . In the final two lines of the first stanza, Sappho moves from orienting to the motive of her ode. She seems to be involved, in this poem, in a situation of unrequited love. It begins with an invocation of the goddess Aphrodite, which is followed by a narrative section in which the speaker describes a previous occasion on which the goddess has helped her. Sappho implores Aphrodite to come to her aid as her heart is in anguish as she experiences unrequited love. Blessed bridegroom, Despite gender dynamics in this poem, Aphrodite explains that love changes quickly. Accessed 4 March 2023. . . Weeping many tears, she left me and said, Adler, Claire. She describes how Aphrodite once yoked her chariot, which was borne by the most lovely / consecrated birds. These birds were likely white doves, often depicted as the chariot-driving animals of Aphrodite in Greek art and myth. Sappho's Prayer to Aphrodite (Fragment 1 V. [] ) holds a special place in Greek Literature.The poem is the only one of Sappho's which survives complete. 26 Instead, he offers a version of those more versed in the ancient lore, according to which Kephalos son of Deioneus was the very first to have leapt, impelled by love for Pterelas (Strabo 10.2.9 C452). While Sappho praises Aphrodite, she also acknowledges the power imbalance between speaker and goddess, begging for aid and requesting she not "crush down my spirit" with "pains and torments.". [] In the poem we find grounds for our views about her worship of Aphrodite, [] her involvement in the thasos, [] and her poetic . On soft beds you satisfied your passion. Himerius (Orations 1.16) says: Sappho compared the girl to an apple [] she compared the bridegroom to Achilles, and likened the young mans deeds to the heros.. https://modernpoetryintranslation.com/sappho-the-brothers-poem/. [26] The poem concludes with another call for the goddess to assist the speaker in all her amorous struggles. 3 Finally, following this prayer formula, the person praying would ask the god for a favor. However, the pronoun in stanza six, following all ancient greek copies of this poem, is not he. Instead, it is she. Early translators, such as T. W. Higginson believed that this was a mistake and auto-corrected the she to he.. in the mountains irresistible, Sappho is depressed because a woman that she loved has left in order to be married and, in turn, she is heartbroken. Up with them! Aphrodite is invoked as the queen of deception-designing or wiles-weaving. Gifts at thy hand; and thine shall be the glory, https://poemanalysis.com/sappho/hymn-to-aphrodite/, Poems covered in the Educational Syllabus. Come now, luxuriant Graces, and beautiful-haired Muses. To a slender shoot, I most liken you. your beauty by god or mortal unseen, your power over heart and mind unknown, your touch unfelt, your voice unheard. Dont you have the resources for me to be able, Mother, to celebrate [telen] at the right season [r] the festival [eort], which is a delight [kharma] for [us] mortals, creatures of the day that we are? Hear anew the voice! Then, in the fourth stanza, the voice of the poem is taken over by a paraphrase of Aphrodite. Sappho is asking Aphrodite for help in a lyrical poem that has three separate parts, each different in length and meaning. And his dear father quickly leapt up. for my companions. Come to me now, if ever thou . A bridegroom taller than Ars! high For day is near. In closing, Sappho commands Aphrodite to become her , or comrade in battle. many wreaths of roses "Hymn to Aphrodite" begins with the unidentified speaker calling on the immortal goddess Aphrodite, daughter of the mighty Zeus, the use her unique skills to ensnare a reluctant lover. Lady, not longer! The final line, You, be my ally, balances these concerns. And there was no dance, The speaker begins by describing a beautiful orchard of apple trees studded with altars which burn incense in devotion to the goddess. Sapphos Fragment 1 uses apostrophe, an impassioned poetic address, to call out to the goddess Aphrodite for aid. By placing Aphrodite in a chariot, Sappho is connecting the goddess of love with Hera and Athena. It is sometimes refered to as Fragment 1, Title, Author, Book and Lines of your passage (this poem is Sappho's "Hymn to Aphrodite"). For if she is fleeing now, soon she will give chase. 5 But come here, if ever before, when you heard my far-off cry, you And you came, leaving your father's house, yoking Rather comeif ever some moment, years past, hearing from afar my despairing voice, you listened, left your father's great golden halls, and came to my succor, Sappho's "Hymn to Aphrodite" is the only poem from her many books of poetry to survive in its entirety. One day not long after . My beloved Kleis. Otherwise, she wouldnt need to ask Aphrodite for help so much. Sappho identifies herself in this poem; the name Sappho (Psappho) appears in only three other fragments. Come beside me! 8. No, flitting aimlessly about, 6. This only complete Sappho poem, "Hymn to Aphrodite," expresses the very human plea for help with a broken heart. Central Message: Love is ever-changing and uncontrollable, Emotions Evoked: Empathy, Frustration, Hopelessness, 'Hymn To Aphrodite' is a classic hymn in which Sappho prays to Aphrodite, asking for help in matters of love. hair that was once black has turned (gray). Meanwhile all the men sang out a lovely high-pitched song. But come, dear companions, Your chariot yoked to love's consecrated doves, their multitudinous . Hymenaon, Sing the wedding song! ground. [5] But you are always saying, in a chattering way [thrulen], that Kharaxos will come 6 in a ship full of goods. 17 Those mortals, whoever they are, 18 whom the king of Olympus wishes 18 to rescue from their pains [ponoi] by sending as a long-awaited helper a superhuman force [daimn] 19 to steer them away from such painsthose mortals are blessed [makares] [20] and have great bliss [olbos]. The rapid back-and-forth movements of the wings mimic the ideas of stanza six, where Aphrodite says: Though now he flies, ere long he shall pursue thee; Fearing thy gifts, he too in turn shall bring them; Loveless to-day, to-morrow he shall woo thee. This dense visual imagery not only honors the goddess, but also reminds her that the speaker clearly recalls her last visit, and feels it remains relevant in the present. 1 [. Marry a younger woman. Aphrodite has power, while Sappho comes across as powerless. Apparently her birthplace was. Just as smiling Aphrodite comes down from heaven to meet lowly, wretched Sappho, even a person who rejects your gifts and runs away from you can come to love you one day. Related sources (summaries and commentary by G.N.) Sappho's "___ to Aphrodite" Crossword Clue Nyt Clues / By Rex Parker'son Advertisement Sapphos to Aphrodite NYT Crossword Clue Answers are listed below and every time we find a new solution for this clue, we add it on the answers list down below. 34 15 So, the image of the doves is a very animated illustration of Sapphos experiences with both love and rejection. So, even though Sappho received help in the past, now, the poet is, once again, left all alone in heartbreak. 3 Do not dominate with hurts [asai] and pains [oniai], 4 O Queen [potnia], my heart [thmos]. around your soft neck. Yet they also offer a glimpse into the more complicated aspects of Aphrodites personality, characterizing her as a cunning woman who twists lures. The first line of Carsons translation reinforces that characterization by describing the goddess as of the spangled mind, suggesting a mazelike, ornamented way of thinking easily steered towards cunning, while still pointing to Aphrodites beauty and wealth. The second practice seems to be derived from the first, as we might expect from a priestly institution that becomes independent of the social context that had engendered it. 9 Instead, send [pempein] me off and instruct [kelesthai] me [10] to implore [lissesthai] Queen Hera over and over again [polla] 11 that he should come back here [tuide] bringing back [agein] safely 12 his ship, I mean Kharaxos, 13 and that he should find us unharmed. Like a golden flower (Sappho, in Ven. They just couldnt reach it. But in pity hasten, come now if ever From afar of old when my voice implored thee, Aphrodites tone here is loving but also belittling and a bit annoyed. The first three lines of each stanza are much longer than the fourth. until you found fair Cyprus' sandy shore-. In addition, it is one of the only known female-written Greek poems from before the Medieval era. There is, however, a more important concern. By the end of the first stanza, the poems focus has already begun to shift away from a description of Aphrodite and towards "Sappho"s relationship with her. Like wings that flutter back and forth, love is fickle and changes quickly. assaults an oak, And then Aphrodite shows, and Sappho's like, "I've done my part. Euphemism for female genitalia. 21 We too, if he ever gets to lift his head up high, 22 I mean, Larikhos, and finally mans up, 23 will get past the many cares that weigh heavily on our heart, 24 breaking free from them just as quickly. And you, sacred one, Smiling with deathless face, asking. (3) Although Sappho seemingly addresses the goddess in rather general terms, each of these words has considerable significance, acknowledging as they do the awesome power and potential of the goddess. The first two lines of the poem preface this plea for help with praise for the goddess, emphasizing her immorality and lineage. To what shall I compare you, dear bridegroom? View our essays for Sappho: Poems and Fragments, Introduction to Sappho: Poems and Fragments, View the lesson plan for Sappho: Poems and Fragments, View Wikipedia Entries for Sappho: Poems and Fragments. hunting down the proud Phaon, Ill never come back to you.. like a hyacinth. . They came. The lady doth protest too much, methinks is a famous quote used in Shakespeares Hamlet. [6] Hutchinson argues that it is more likely that "" was corrupted to "" than vice versa. Sappho's school devoted itself to the cult of Aphrodite and Eros, and Sappho earned great prominence as a dedicated teacher and poet. The themes in Hymn to Aphrodite by Sappho are love, devotion, desire, religion, heartbreak, and mercy. She entreats the goddess not to ignore her pleadings and so break a heart which is already stricken with grief. Swiftly they vanished, leaving thee, O goddess. [10] While apparently a less common understanding, it has been employed in translations dating back to the 19th century;[11] more recently, for example, a translation by Gregory Nagy adopted this reading and rendered the vocative phrase as "you with pattern-woven flowers". This idea stresses that Sappho and Aphrodite have a close relationship, which is unusual in Ancient Greek poetry. Even with multiple interventions from the goddess of love, Aphrodite, Sappho still ends up heartbroken time and time again. "Invocation to Aphrodite" Throned in splendor, deathless, O Aphrodite, child of Zeus, charm-fashioner, I entreat you not with griefs and bitternesses to break my spirit, O goddess; standing by me rather, if once before now . 24 Your symmachos would be the man to your left or your right on the battlefield. . After Adonis died (how it happened is not said), the mourning Aphrodite went off searching for him and finally found him at Cypriote Argos, in a shrine of Apollo. Forth from thy father 's. Sappho creates a plea to Aphrodite, calling on the goddess to assist her with her pursuit of love. Specifically, the repetition of the same verb twice in a line echoes the incantation-structure used in the sixth stanza, giving a charm-like quality to this final plea. Please continue to help us support the fight against dementia with Alzheimer's Research Charity. And when the maidens stood around the altar, 5 Many literary devices within the Hymn to Aphrodite have gotten lost in translation. But in. Like a hyacinth Best summary PDF, themes, and quotes. Accordingly, the competing readings are on the order of "[Aphrodite] of the many-coloured throne" or "[Aphrodite] of the subtle/complex mind. In this poem Sappho places Aphrodite on equal footing with the male gods. The poet asks Aphrodite to be her symmachos, which is the Greek term for a comrade in war. Immortal Aphrodite, throned in splendor! Accordingly, it is a significant poem for the study of the Ancient greek language, early poetry, and gender. January 1, 2021 Priestess of Aphrodite. The poem is the only one of Sappho's which survives complete. Come to me now, Aphrodite; dispel the worries that irritate and offend me; fulfill the wishes of my heart; and fight here beside me. [21] The sex of Sappho's beloved is established from only a single word, the feminine in line 24. the mules. O hear and listen! The tone of Hymn to Aphrodite is despairing, ironic, and hopeful. [31] Sappho's Homeric influence is especially clear in the third stanza of the poem, where Aphrodite's descent to the mortal world is marked by what Keith Stanley describes as "a virtual invasion of Homeric words and phrases". The poetry truly depicts a realistic picture of the bonds of love. Greek meter is quantitative; that is, it consists of alternating long and short syllables in a regular pattern. In her personal life, Sappho was an outspoken devotee of Aphrodite who often wrote the goddess into her poetry. It is through you visiting Poem Analysis that we are able to contribute to charity. Like a sweet-apple bittersweet, .] From this silence we may infer that the source of this myth about Aphrodite and Adonis is independent of Sapphos own poetry or of later distortions based on it. Copyright 1999 - 2023 GradeSaver LLC. [] I dont know what to do: I am of two minds. and said thou, Who has harmed thee?O my poor Sappho! However, most modern translators are willing to admit that the object of Sapphos love in this poem was a woman. And the news reached his dear ones throughout the broad city. To Aphrodite. Sappho sees Aphrodite as a mothering figure and often enlists the goddess help in her love life. For instance, when Sappho visited Syracuse the residents were so honored they erected a statue to commemorate the occasion! This translates to something like poor Sappho, or dear little Sappho.. . Use section headers above different song parts like [Verse], [Chorus], etc. Little is known with certainty about the life of Sappho, or Psappha in her native Aeolic dialect.