From Ancient Love Poetry to Modern Masterpieces: A Literary Pilgrimage to the Greek island of Lesvos

Welcome to a poetic journey through the enchanting island of Lesvos, where the timeless verses of Sappho and the modern musings of Nobel Prize winner Odysseas Elytis intertwine with the island's breathtaking landscapes.

Exploring the Poetic Essence of Lesvos: Sappho and Odysseas Elytis

The Greek island of Lesvos has a rich literary past and what better way to celebrate this than to explore two of the greatest Greek poets who hail from these shores! Sappho and Odysseas Elytis may be better known in Greece than across the world but their impact on poetry should not be underestimated and their contribution to and influence in Lesvos is worth exploring.

Sappho: The Poetic Muse of Lesvos

Our journey into the poetic heart of Lesvos begins with Sappho, one of the most revered poets of ancient Greece. Born in the 7th century BCE in the village of Eressos, Sappho's verses captured the raw emotion of love, longing, and the beauty of nature.

Visitors to Lesvos can still feel Sappho's presence lingering in the air as they wander through the narrow streets of Eressos or gaze out at the endless expanse of the Aegean Sea from the cliffs overlooking the coast. The ancient ruins of Antissa offer a glimpse into Sappho's world, where she once roamed the hills and valleys, drawing inspiration from the island's breathtaking scenery. There are statues commemorating Sappho at the end of the village.

Little is known or documented about her life and some of her verses have led to the idea that she was a lesbian, or lover of women, though there is no proof to support this theory. Another theory claims that Sappho leaped to her death from a cliff, on the island of Levkas, all because of her unrequited love for a young boatman called Phaon.

The inspirational works of Sappho

It is a true fact that she was a very talented poet.  Sappho is believed to have written nine books of odes, wedding songs, hymns, and elegies, but only a few of these remain. Some fragments were discovered as recently as the 20th century, written on papyrus - a remarkable discovery. One of her most famous works is the Ode to Aphrodite, which was quoted by the famous scholar of the 1st century, Dionysius of Halicarnassus.

Another famous contribution of Sappho was the verse form Sapphics, which requires that each stanza be 4 lines long with the first three lines required to contain 11 syllables, and the last line only 5 syllables. Having inspired many future Greek poets, Sappho's contribution to the world of poetry has been immense. (Source: Greeka.com)

International Eressos Women's Festival

This festival takes place each September in the village of Skala Eressos and is the work of the Sappho Women non-profit organisation designed to unite women worldwide in the birthplace of Sappho. Its a very popular event, including performances, workshops, exhibitions and daily sea swims to the famous Rock! Find out more here. To book accommodation for the festival weeks book with Real Lesvos.

Odysseas Elytis: A Modern Poet's Perspective

Fast forward to the 20th century, and Lesvos continued to inspire poets with its timeless allure. Enter Odysseas Elytis, a Nobel laureate whose evocative poetry celebrated the beauty of Greece, including his beloved island of Lesvos. Elytis' verses, infused with a sense of mysticism and reverence for nature, pay homage to the same landscapes that once captivated Sappho. He was born in Crete in 1911, but his father was from Lesvos. He won the Nobel prize for literature in 1979.

Elytis’s poetry collections include What I Love: Selected Poems of Odysseus Elytis, translated by Olga Broumas (1978), Maria Nefeli: Skiniko piima (1978, translated as Maria the Cloud: Dramatic Poem, 1981), and To axion esti (1959, translated as Worthy It Is, 1974). He was very proud of Greece and to be known as a Greek poet. He described Lesvos as ‘a plane leaf in the middle of sea’ and claimed that this captivating Greek island as the place where ‘the sun and the moon reign together so harmoniously’.

The description of the island as a leaf perhaps refers to the shape of the island but may also refer to the contrast in landscapes found here, from lush vegetation and forests, to rocky, desert-like areas.

Travellers seeking to connect with Elytis' legacy can explore Lesvos through his poetic lens, immersing themselves in the island's rich cultural heritage and natural wonders. From the olive groves and vineyards that dot the countryside to the quaint villages and ancient ruins scattered throughout the island, Lesvos offers endless opportunities for inspiration and reflection.

The poet is also said to welcome all visitors to the island as the international airport in the capital, Mytilene, is named after him. Source: poetryfoundation.org

A Journey of Discovery

Whether you find yourself lost in the timeless verses of Sappho or the modern reflections of Odysseas Elytis, one thing is certain – Lesvos will leave an indelible mark on your soul, inspiring your own creative journey long after you've departed its shores.

Let Real Lesvos help you embark on an adventure here on Lesvos, whether you are seeking pure relaxation, or looking to be inspired, there’s something for everyone here and, you are sure to find inspiration at every turn on this mesmerizing island.

Find out more and book a visit now.