Sappho Quotes

A collection of quotes by Sappho.

Sappho (c. 630 – c. 570 BCE) was an ancient Greek poet from the island of Lesbos. Considered one of the greatest lyric poets of her time, she composed and performed her poems in a musical style, often accompanying herself on the lyre. Unfortunately, much of her work has been lost, with only fragments and quotations preserved by later scholars.

Sappho was born into a noble family in the city of Mytilene, on the island of Lesbos. She likely received an excellent education, as her poetry often reveals a deep understanding of literature, mythology, and the arts. Sappho was known to gather a community of women around her, forming a close-knit circle of friends and disciples. This group, known as the "thiasos," enjoyed her poetry, music, and intellectual pursuits.

Her poetry mainly focused on themes of love and desire, displaying an intimate and intense expression of emotions. Sappho's work celebrated the beauty of both men and women, however, her verses dedicated to female love had a profound impact on later generations, deeply influencing the development of queer literature.

Despite her prodigious talent and popularity during her time, the majority of Sappho's poetry did not survive through the ages. Only fragments remain, scattered in various ancient texts. This loss has led to much speculation and fascination surrounding her life and work, making Sappho an enigmatic figure in the history of ancient Greek literature.