Across the ages, poets have extolled the virtues of fathers and the profound influence they have on their children. Ancient civilizations, rich in culture and tradition, produced timeless poems that celebrated the bond between fathers and their offspring. In this article, we will explore five Poems for Father's Day by the Greatest Ancient Poets that continue to resonate today, reminding us of the enduring power of paternal love.

"Odyssey" by Homer (composed in 800 BCE)

Father-Son Journey (image: Forward)

Homer is a legendary ancient Greek poet who is traditionally credited as the author of two epic poems. His epic poem, the "Odyssey," tells the tale of Odysseus' arduous journey home, and epitomizes the enduring spirit of fathers and their unwavering love.

Excerpt from Book IV: Telemachus and Menelaus:

"Ah surely, friends,

the gods themselves have forged your comradeship,

father and son. No man could contrive such love

unless the gods themselves had woven bonds of kinship

between them. Never before has a son been seen

so tender of his father's spirit, and to you

your father has returned from his wide wandering

to find you here in this great hall, rejoicing

as though you had escaped some grisly death.

Come, my dear sons, sit here and feast in peace,

and after that I shall inquire who you are,

for there are more I want to hear of and to learn."

This excerpt highlights the emotional reunion between Odysseus and his son Telemachus. After enduring years of separation and hardships, they are finally reunited in the presence of Nestor. The profound bond between father and son is emphasized as both Odysseus and Telemachus weep and express their longing and suffering. Nestor, recognizing the depth of their love and the extraordinary nature of their relationship, praises their extraordinary companionship.

"Odes 2.14" by Horace (composed in the 1st century BCE)

Horace: The Son of a Slave Who Became Rome's Leading Poet (image: The Collector)

Horace, a prominent Roman poet of the 1st century BCE, wrote several poems that touch upon themes of fatherhood and family. One such poem is "Odes 2.14" where Horace reflects on the passage of time and expresses his gratitude and love for his father.

Excerpt from "Odes 2.14" by Horace:

"O Mercury, graciously respond to my prayer!

While still a child, I vowed to you

That when I was a man and my father survived,

I would give you a choice heifer,

The best I possessed. Mercury, you were

Worthy of ten such heifers. Now the time has come

To keep my promise. My father lives,

And I'll lead to your temple on the Ides of May

A pure white bull, magnificent in strength,

Worthy of your altar. Accept, I beg you,

This gift with favor. Let it signify

The highest honor that a grateful son

Can bestow on a parent, so that the name

Of my family will not be forgotten

And my own praise will last.”

In this poem, Horace expresses his deep gratitude and love for his father, vowing to fulfill a promise he made in his youth. He pledges to offer a worthy sacrifice to the god Mercury in honor of his father's life and well-being. Horace acknowledges the importance of his father's presence and influence in shaping his own life, and he seeks to honor and preserve his family's name and legacy.

"Aeneid" by Virgil (composed between 29 and 19 BCE)

The soul of Anchises takes leave of Aeneas and the Cumaean Sibyl at the underworld’s ivory gate. (image: Getty Images)

Virgil, a renowned Roman poet of the 1st century BCE, wrote an epic poem called "Aeneid" that explores various themes, including fatherhood. In Book VI of the "Aeneid," Virgil portrays a heartfelt encounter between Aeneas, the hero of the poem, and his deceased father, Anchises, in the Underworld.

Excerpt from Book VI, lines 830-838:

"Then father Anchises, his eyes filled with tears,s

Broke the silence, groaning, and with difficulty

Forced these words out from his depths of love:

'Son, once Jupiter made his thunderbolt sound three times,

The earth and the watery plain and the shade of the deep

Were shaken. My spirit felt a divine presence, and I knew

The mighty one was present. I heard a voice from above:

"Son, there is no limit to how far you can rise.

Roman, remember to rule the nations with your power.

This will be your art: to impose the custom of peace,

To spare those you have conquered, to tame the proud."

In this poignant excerpt, Aeneas encounters his father Anchises in the realm of the dead. Anchises, overwhelmed by emotion, shares a prophetic vision he received from Jupiter, the king of gods. He tells Aeneas of his destiny to found a great empire and emphasizes the importance of ruling with justice, promoting peace, and showing mercy to those conquered.

"Works and Days" by Hesiod (composed in the 8th century BCE)

(image: iStock)

Hesiod was a Greek poet believed to have lived in the 8th century BCE. In "Works and Days" Hesiod imparts advice and wisdom to his brother Perses, touching upon various aspects of life, including familial relationships.

Excerpt from "Works and Days" by Hesiod:

“And if your father has died, you must take up his quarrels,

And even when you marry, consider your father your enemy;

With your brothers you will have even sharper quarrels,

If you are eager to take your full share of inheritance,

Ignoring one another's rights. The property that your father

Left behind him, never let anyone have an easier life

By means of it than you have. Don't be grieved by others' blessings,

But look to your own interests. Bear the load of burdens

Unaided, if you must, and do not be ashamed of your poverty.

Others too who rely on themselves endure hard toil,

And poverty is the lot of most men who dwell upon the earth.

There is no shame in being poor, but there is shame in idleness,

And hard work always brings a good name and an honest reputation.”

In this fragment, Hesiod advises his brother on the importance of taking up the responsibilities and quarrels of their deceased father. He emphasizes the need to protect their father's legacy and ensure that no one benefits unfairly from their father's possessions. Hesiod urges his brother not to be envious of others' wealth but rather to focus on their own interests and work diligently to improve their circumstances. He suggests that hard work and self-reliance are honorable traits, and poverty should not be a source of shame.

“Fragment 98’’ by Sappho (composed in the 6th century BCE)

(image:wikimedia)

Sappho, an ancient Greek poet from the island of Lesbos in the 6th century BCE, is known for her lyric poetry. While only fragments of her work have survived, there is one fragment that suggests a reference to her father.

Excerpt from Fragment 98 by Sappho:

“...To me, a girl, he seemed

in beauty to surpass the gods,

and sitting by my side, he would often tell me

many tales of heroes,

drawing near his beloved.”

This fragment, often referred to as "Brothers Poem," is believed to depict Sappho reminiscing about her father. She describes him as someone who possessed extraordinary beauty, even surpassing the gods. Sappho's memories of sitting beside him and listening to his stories of heroes indicate a close and cherished relationship with her father. While the exact context and complete poem are lost, this fragment gives us a glimpse into Sappho's admiration and affection for her father.

In conclusion, Ancient poems offer us a window into the past and provide a timeless tribute to the enduring bond between fathers and their children. These works from diverse cultures across the world emphasize the role of fathers as providers, protectors, mentors, and moral guides. Through their verses, ancient poets immortalize the essence of paternal love, reminding us of the universal nature of this sacred relationship that transcends time and culture.

If you wish to find out more about The Odyssey of Homer - Book IV, watch this: