Great Books Ep 47. The Odyssey Book 19. Ivory Complexion: The Lasting Impact of Ancient Beauty Norms

The Odyssey repeatedly talks about Penelope's beauty likening her to goddesses, with emphasis on whiteness. This and similar portrayals have influenced the world at large.

Photo by DALL-E. “Penelope waiting for her husband Ulysses, forlorn, busy with needlework with an image ratio 16:9”

“Then Penelope came down from her room looking like Venus or Diana, and they set her a seat inlaid with scrolls of silver and ivory near the fire”

~ The Odyssey - Book XIX (Samuel Butler Translation. p289)

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Book 19 starts with Ulysses and Te…