Someone, I tell you, in another time will remember us

I recently played and finished the Assassins creed: Odyssey video game and within it there was a mission about a lesbian woman who has asked Kassandra to help her find her lesbian lover who was taken by a vile beast. I’m not going to give out spoilers but I will say that the end of the quest concluded with Kassandra saying “Someone, I tell you, in another time will remember us” whilst holding a flower.

This quote comes from the lyrical genius of Sappho, the ancient poet from the isle of Lesbos. Her work, though largely lost to time, continues to stir the hearts of those who encounter it.

Living in roughly 630-570 BCE, Sappho's poems were primarily preserved through the citations of later authors and surviving papyrus fragments. Her poetry, often intimate, was likely performed by and for a circle of female companions, exploring profound themes of love, passion, and relationships. The lyrical style—personal and musical—perfectly suited her intimate reflections on the human condition.


Fragment 147 strikes a chord with its poignant hope for immortality through memory. In its few words, it expresses a powerful desire that spans the ages: the hope that she, and the 'us' she speaks of, will not be forgotten. This sentiment taps into a universal yearning to be remembered, to ensure that our stories and experiences resonate beyond our own lifetimes.


In my own life, I find Sappho's thoughts on memory and legacy particularly compelling as I consider the impact I wish to leave behind. Her work prompts us to reflect on how future generations will remember us and the legacies we hope to create. Her influence is evident, as modern artists and writers continually find inspiration in her fragments, reinterpreting them in ways that speak to today’s audiences.


Sappho’s enduring words remind me that our desire to be remembered is a testament to the indomitable human spirit. Reflecting on her legacy, I am comforted by the shared human experience she describes—one that transcends centuries and continues to inspire. In the echoing words of Sappho, I find a profound assurance that somehow, in some future time, someone will indeed remember us.