The gates of horn and ivory are a literary image used to distinguish true dreams (corresponding to factual occurrences) from false. The phrase originated in the Greek language, in which the word for "horn" is similar to that for "fulfil" and the word for "ivory" is similar to that for "deceive". On the basis of that play on words, true dreams are spoken of as coming through the gates of horn, false dreams as coming through those of ivory.
Read more about Gates Of Horn And Ivory: The Odyssey, Echoes in Later Greek Literature, The Aeneid, Other Latin Writing, English Writing, Music
Famous quotes containing the words gates of, gates, horn and/or ivory:
“The gates of Hell are open night and day;
Smooth the descent, and easy is the way:
But, to return, and view the cheerful skies;
In this, the task and mighty labour lies.”
—Virgil [Publius Vergilius Maro] (70–19 B.C.)
“Our dreams are a second life. I have never been able to penetrate without a shudder those ivory or horned gates which separate us from the invisible world.”
—Gérard De Nerval (1808–1855)
“He who goes oftenest round Cape Horn goes the most circumspectly.”
—Herman Melville (1819–1891)
“The only refuge left to us was the poet’s ivory tower, which we climbed, ever higher, to isolate ourselves from the mob.”
—Gérard De Nerval (1808–1855)