Perilous Periplous (book)

Perilous Periplous

Author	Unknown
Country	Orioni
Language	Classical Orinese
Subject	Epic voyage of Pino the Navigator around Europa
Genre	Epic Poetry
Set in	Ancient Orioni
Publication date	3rd Century BCE
Media type	Written work

Perilous Periplous is a seminal work of Classical Orinese literature that narrates the remarkable voyage of the legendary figure, Pino the Navigator. Authored in the 3rd Century BCE, this epic poem recounts Pino's three-year odyssey from the Azure Sea, westward around Europa (a fictional continent), and his return to Hierapolis, a port city in Orioni.

The epic is renowned for its vivid portrayal of the world as understood by ancient Orinese people and offers valuable insights into their maritime culture and exploration spirit. It is a unique account, diverging from the Homeric tradition and characterizing Pino as a brave and ingenious explorer rather than a warrior hero.

Summary

The poem begins with Pino receiving a divine mandate from the Orinese goddess of wisdom and the seas, Rin, who encourages him to embark on a perilous voyage to chart the unknown lands of Europa.

With an eager crew aboard the swift Lohitanga, a red-keeled ship, Pino sails west from the Azure Sea. The epic vividly depicts various challenges they face, from battling sea monsters to evading alluring sirens, all the while exploring diverse cultures on the Europan coastline.

In one dramatic episode, the crew survives the 'Garden of the Hesperides', a treacherous waterway guarded by Ladon, the hundred-headed dragon. Pino, using his wit and navigation skills, guides his crew through without waking the beast, emphasizing the theme of intellect triumphing over brute force.

The poem then chronicles the establishment of Orinese colonies on Europa, with Pino's men planting saplings from Orioni's sacred groves, symbolizing the transplantation of their community and culture. It also notes the integration of the Orinese into the local populations, fostering a shared cultural identity.

The epic concludes with Pino and his remaining crew's return to Hierapolis, bearing tales of their journey, enriching Orioni's cultural narrative.

Text fragments

The Perilous Periplous of Pino the Navigator is a voyage of epic proportions, a tale of courage and exploration, spun in the grand style of the ancients, told in verses that dance to a hexameter's rhythm. It starts with:

In Orioni, land blessed by heaven's bright gaze,
Pino, the seafarer, readies for untrodden maze.
Rin, sea's wisdom, in dreams makes her decree,
“Bold Pino, the ocean calls, sail the azure sea.”

With fiery spirit and Rin's command in heart,
He gathers a crew for their journey to start.
Aboard the swift Lohitanga, with keel so red,
Under heaven's vast dome, on the sea they tread.

Orioni's shores recede, their quest takes flight,
Through whispering waves, under star's soft light.
First, they face the whirlpool's wild wrath,
Pino, with Rin's guidance, finds safe path.

Then they meet Ladon, beast of a hundred heads,
Guardian of Hesperides, where fear easily spreads.
Yet Pino, with divine cunning, ensnares the beast in sleep,
Silently past the dragon, their ship does creep.

Onward they journey, 'neath sky so wide,
Meeting Europa's children, with culture's pride.
In Tamarini and Birlini, sacred saplings are sown,
Orioni’s spirit to these foreign lands is flown.

With each dawn and dusk, home draws near,
Hearts full of tales, spirits devoid of fear.
As Hierapolis's towers meet their weary sight,
Ends their voyage, under moon's soft light.

So concludes Pino's Perilous Periplous, his brave quest,
A testament to mankind's unquenchable zest.
Now, hear the tale of Pino the Navigator, time's gem,
In the hearts of Orioni, his legend is their anthem.

Analysis and themes

"Perilous Periplous" celebrates exploration, resilience, and intellectual triumph. It diverges from the tradition of the warrior hero, as embodied by Homer's Achilles or Odysseus, and instead presents Pino as a figure of wisdom and curiosity, using his wits to overcome adversity.

The epic also demonstrates the Orinese perspective of the world during the Classical Age, their understanding of geography, and their maritime prowess. It emphasizes the spirit of exploration and adventure that characterized the Orinese in this era.

Legacy

The epic of Pino the Navigator is deeply ingrained in Orinese cultural heritage, and "Perilous Periplous" is regarded as a literary masterpiece that continues to inspire maritime and exploration narratives. Today, this work is studied in schools and universities across Orioni and around the world, providing insights into ancient Orinese culture, society, and their perspectives on exploration and colonization.

The story of Pino's journey also forms the basis for modern adaptations in various mediums, including film, with Perilous Periplous being a classic maritime adventure film enjoyed by audiences worldwide.