ithaki
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Definition
Proper noun 1. A Greek island in the Ionian Sea: Ithaki is an island located to the west of mainland Greece. It is traditionally identified as the homeland of the legendary hero Odysseus in Homer's epic poems.
Usage Examples
- Proper noun:
- The ferry sailed from Patras to the port of Ithaki.
- Many tourists visit Ithaki to see locations mentioned in the Odyssey.
Advanced Usage
- In classical and literary contexts: The name "Ithaki" is almost exclusively used in historical, geographical, and literary discussions, particularly those relating to Homer's .
- Scholars have long debated the exact location of Homer's Ithaki.
Variants and Related Words
- Ithaca: This is the more common Latinized and Anglicized spelling of the island's name.
- He wrote a poem about his return to Ithaca.
Synonyms
- Homeland (of Odysseus): When used in its legendary context.
- Kingdom of Odysseus: A descriptive synonym within Homeric legend.
Notes on Meaning
- The primary meaning is geographical, referring to the actual island.
- Its secondary and highly significant meaning is mythological/literary, representing the central goal of Odysseus's long journey in Homer's . It symbolizes home, kingship, and the endpoint of a quest.
Noun
- a Greek island to the west of Greece; in Homeric legend Odysseus was its king