Homer: The Odessey

by Homer

Both books translated by E. V. Rieu. Two of the greatest classics of Western literature. The IILIAD One of the foremost achievements in Western literature, Homers Iliad tells the story of the darkest episode of the Trojan War. At its center is Achilles, the greatest warrior-champion of the Greeks, and his conflict with his leader Agamemnon. Interwoven in the tragic sequence of events are powerfully moving descriptions of the ebb and flow of battle, the besieged city of Ilium, the feud between the gods, and the fate of mortals. The ODDESSY If the Iliad is the world's greatest war epic, the Odyssey is literature's grandest evocation of an everyman's journey through life. Odysseus' reliance on his wit and wiliness for survival in his encounters with divine and natural forces during his ten-year voyage home to Ithaca after the Trojan War is at once a timeless human story and an individual test of moral endurance.

Genres: Classics, Mythology, Greek Mythology, Read For School, Fantasy, Fiction, Education

469 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 1961

About the author

Homer (Greek: Όμηρος born c. 8th century BC) was a Greek poet who is credited as the author of the Iliad and the Odyssey, two epic poems that are foundational works of ancient Greek literature. Homer is considered one of the most revered and influential authors in history.
Homer's Iliad centers on a quarrel between King Agamemnon and the warrior Achilles during the last year of the Trojan War. The Odyssey chronicles the ten-year journey of Odysseus, king of Ithaca, back to his home after the fall of Troy. The poems are in Homeric Greek, also known as Epic Greek, a literary language which shows a mixture of features of the Ionic and Aeolic dialects from different centuries; the predominant influence is Eastern Ionic. Most researchers believe that the poems were originally transmitted orally. Despite being predominantly known for its tragic and serious themes, the Homeric poems also contain instances of comedy and laughter.
Homer's epic poems shaped aspects of ancient Greek culture and education, fostering ideals of heroism, glory, and honor. To Plato, Homer was simply the one who "has taught Greece" (τὴν Ἑλλάδα πεπαίδευκεν). In Dante Alighieri's Divine Comedy, Virgil refers to Homer as "Poet sovereign", king of all poets; in the preface to his translation of the Iliad, Alexander Pope acknowledges that Homer has always been considered the "greatest of poets". From antiquity to the present day, Homeric epics have inspired many famous works of literature, music, art, and film.
The question of by whom, when, where and under what circumstances the Iliad and Odyssey were composed continues to be debated. Scholars remain divided as to whether the two works are the product of a single author. It is thought that the poems were composed at some point around the late eighth or early seventh century BC. Many accounts of Homer's life circulated in classical antiquity; the most widespread account was that he was a blind bard from Ionia, a region of central coastal Anatolia in present-day Turkey. Modern scholars consider these accounts legendary.

French: Homère, Italian: Omero, Portuguese, Spanish: Homero.

Reviews

[India Noel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Took me a long while to finish it but I really enjoyed this. A lot more light hearted and easier to read than the Iliad. Odysseus seems to be a really solid man, unlike a lot of other ancient Greeks.

[HannahInCanada · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5
Slow start, dramatic middle and a good wrapped up ending.
But for my enjoyment I give it the 3.5, because of course, the writing uses useless words and bends grammar rules to the extremes. Took me longer then expected considering its quite sort in length.
I have a strong urge to get Circe and read it again

[Feem · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was skepischc maar er is een reden waarom dit boek al duizenden jaren een banger is. Vooral super mooi poëtisch en toch toegankelijk geschreven en echt een heel mooi verhaal ook, doet me echt denken aan de cute avontuurlijke kinderboeken van vroeger💕

[jade lavan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The ancient greeks are such interesting creatures i just love them

[Snickers · Rating 2 out of 5]

The dog 😭😭

[Enya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Odysseus himself did surprisingly little - I think he was given more credit than deserved considering how much help he had from Athene. Maybe it would’ve made more sense if I read The Iliad first though oopsies.

[Ray Gennace · Rating 1 out of 5]

Fuck Ms. Smith and her reading checks. If I ever see this book again in tearing it to shreds. I love Greek Mythology my somehow Ms. Smith and this book made one of my favorite topics unbearable.

[Evelyn Bettig · Rating 4 out of 5]

I LOVE LITERATURE! The Odyssey has so many hidden meanings behind the confusing language. Odysseus is such an admirable character compared to the dirty, heartless, warriors in the Iliad. Because the Iliad is a war based and gory story it is refreshing to walk along Odysseus' long and entertaining voyage back home to his faithful wife, son, and kingdom. He endures through the valley of death (literally sent to the under world), and faces many other trials such as defeating monsters, and fighting the Poseidon-manipulated seas. His time away fighting to get home is so perilous and difficult it seems he is in another world, a nightmare, a circle of hopelessness, but the reward of returning home after 20 years is worth the struggle. Odysseus is most known for his intelligent mind of trickery. He uses smart play to scoot away from dangerous situations and even tests the moral goodness of others. Maybe it's out of selfishness, but his self-control to restrain from revealing himself to the ones he loves (besides his son and close friend) near the end, to test his people's loyalty, plan his revenge on the pig-like suitors, and even test his wife, is admirable. One of my favorite scenes definitely includes when wifey Penelope (LOVE YOU GIRL!) tricks Odysseus! What?! Odysseus' own wife tricks him? Well he obviously passes and proves that he is truly her lover, but Penelope also reveals through her trick that she stayed faithful to Odysseus for 20 years, even with the ugly suitors trying to sweep her away. What a strong couple! Not only this, but Odysseus realizes her trickery of the suitors and feels proud of her deceptive plans MWAHAHA. What a mischievous couple :) Last favorite and hilarious scene: Book 18, The Beggar-King. While Odysseus is disguised as a beggar (what a humble standing after wanting to finally claim his kingdom back from the wretched suitors destroying it) he WRESTLES and ATTACKS another REAL beggar. What a hilarious scene. The back and forth bickering, the tongue-lashing and insulting remarks. They are merely fighting over a seat on the doorsill, but it soon becomes a wrestling match while the suitors watch and break into gloating laughter. (What an honor to get to act this out with Anna for an assignment ;) can't wait to drag her across the floor by her leg as she cries out like an insane beggar.)

[Ethan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Summary: Odysseus is making his way back home from the Trojan war. On his way back he gets lost at sea. He goes through many obstacles while his son, Telemachus has to wait for his father to come home in order to eliminate the suitors. Telemachus battles with his own issues with his father and making decisions under his shadow.
Themes: One of the themes of the Odyssey is redemption via Odysseus risking his life for his family after cheating on his wife. Another theme is perseverance through challenges. In the Odyssey, some themes that are present include revenge, honor, and bravery. A lesson that can be acquired from the Odyssey is that hard work brings good outcomes.
Structure: In the Odyssey we meowsee the archetype of the Monomyth. In the beginning Odysseus was lost at sea away from his normal world, Ithaca. He left Ithaca to fight in the Trojan war which is the call to adventure and acceptance of the call. Him being trapped on the island with Calypso is esssntering the unknown. Some of the supernatural aid he got was from Athena and Zeus. He faced different obstacles (tests) coming home including the cyclops. The supreme ordeal was killing the suitors when he returned home. Sentences structured into stanzas, poem-like. Seems implied. Very exaggerated, multiple stanzas for a small action. Organized into separate “books” instead of chapters. Monomyth archetype.
Connections: The odyssey is connected to frozen because Elsa and Odysseus both face obstacles and at the end they come out as different people. The Odyssey has the monomyth in it and is similar to Huckleberry Finn or Percy Jackson because both characters overcome obstacles and in the end get a reward.
Personal Connection:
book was boring school ruins any book by forcing it down are throats without them relizing nobody reads books anymore

[Kamila Sarmiento]

Summary:The Odyssey by Homer translated by Robert Fagles is a story about a king, Odysseus who fought in the Trojan war and gets lost on his way home leaving him to find a way home with the help of the gods. Going through many quests and challenges Odysseus goes through he finds his destiny and goes home.
Themes: The theme of The Odyssey by Homer could be family because he had to go on a journey to be able to just go back home and reunite with his family who he has not seen in years. Family is important. Some of the themes that are presented in the Odyssey by Homer are… Sometimes you have to take risks to be able to help others, don't let people take advantage of your hospitality, being brave takes you a long way.
Connections: The Odyssey is similar to Super Mario when Mario goes on these journeys into the underworld to save his princess. The Odyssey is also similar to Shrek when Shrek goes on a journey to find the dragon and save Fiona.
Structures: The Odyssey follows the quest cycle and includes character archetypes to tell the story.The Odyssey is being told and created by the author using the quest cycle. Some of the character archetypes that are being used in this story that we know so far are: Hero - Odysseus Allies- Athena, Zeus Shadow- Poseidon

[Reuben Petty · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book.
Odysseus seemed a little fried but good on him for keeping going, was nice that it all worked out in the end. I guess that’s what happens when you’re a kiss ass to the gods.
That was kind of the theme that felt most significant to me through the thing with all the people giving him gifts and like literally dying for him n stuff n giving him riches on the off chance he was a god disguised or to be rewarded for their actions. But it made me think maybe that’s pretty cool cus they’re sacrificing stuff in a selfish way by bowing down to the gods but by extension being super super kind to strangers which is pretty dope.
But at the same time it felt a bit odd with the gods being almost at odds with each other like the mortals were like a play thing with their discussions about what to do about those guys who dropped him off in Ithica and the fate of Odysseus. I'm sure all of the logic of the gods is completely justified but when I was reading it I felt it slightly undermined the whole right vs wrong, good vs evil theme for me but perhaps if I paid more attention when reading I wouldn't think this but hey ho.
The bird imagery through out was really pleasing also.

[Munna · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is a classic retold in plainer language. It's entertaining and sends a message to be good and do good. As with any age-old story, it has issues that do not sit well with today's discourse and context.

[Dominic · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novel is a timeless journey of adventure, loyalty, and perseverance, following Odysseus’ perilous quest to return home. Homer’s masterful storytelling blends mythology with enduring human themes.

[EliseRose Warren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book more than the Iliad, this book only talks about one family and one soldier , after the battle of Tory happened. How this particular soldier gets home after 7 years and how his new ish marriage is coping with him gone, how his new born baby grew up.

[Linus · Rating 3 out of 5]

mid - sorry Dr. Loney

[Kaylene Simmering · Rating 4 out of 5]

Classic

[Sophia Roca · Rating 3 out of 5]

All I have to say is , Odysseus would not have been a hero if it were not for Athena , Circe etc

[Kara Grossman · Rating 1 out of 5]

Experience was dampened by daily quizzes where I had to regurgitate names such as “Telemachus”, “Polyphemus”, and “Charybdis”.

[Lloyd Hinkle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Basis for many classic Stories

[Ali Rites · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a good book with great insight into Greek mythology. Really got a deeper level of the history and it was entertaining. Really, I didn't understand dome parts but it was good!

[kyra glickert · Rating 2 out of 5]

i might just be too stupid to read this book. also i couldn’t pronounce any of the names correctly lol

[clemmm · Rating 4 out of 5]

homer had a very long way of saying anything but a good story

[Reader · Rating 1 out of 5]

You can tell this story is from thousands of years ago.

[Jill · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read for the #girlboss characters

[Mark Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superb, good to read it again

[Raegan Hoyer]

Not enough bart. 2/10

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yea ok I get it now this is the best thing ever and I'm a sucker for a dude that just really loves his wife.

[Adenine Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so freaking much. The way it’s written, it makes it very interesting. My favourite parts are Telemachus’.

[Bay J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hard to comprehend at times... lovely plot line (and I had an illustrated version) and beautiful art (BEWARE: NAKED PICTURES. DO NOT READ IN PUBLIC, ESPECIALLY SCHOOL)

[Benjamin Kieda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Odysseus you horndog