Original Author: Homer
Original Date Written: c. 8th century BC
Description
The Odyssey is one of the foundational works of Western literature, traditionally attributed to Homer and composed in ancient Greece around the late eighth or early seventh century BCE. As the sequel to the Iliad, it recounts the long and perilous journey of Odysseus as he struggles to return home to Ithaca following the Trojan War.
Across twenty-four books, the poem follows Odysseus through encounters with gods, monsters, enchantresses, and distant lands, while his wife Penelope and son Telemachus endure uncertainty at home. Blending adventure, myth, and human drama, The Odyssey explores themes of perseverance, identity, loyalty, hospitality, fate, and the enduring desire for home.
More than a tale of heroic wandering, the poem offers a profound meditation on what it means to return, to endure hardship, and to remain true to oneself amid constant change. Its stories have inspired readers, writers, and artists for nearly three millennia, securing its place as one of the most influential epics ever composed.
Where to Find This Work
The Odyssey
Credit: Homer (traditional attribution); Samuel Butler (translator)
Summary:
This edition presents Samuel Butler's classic English translation of The Odyssey. First published in the late nineteenth century, Butler's rendering is known for its clear and accessible prose, making the epic approachable for modern readers while preserving the structure and narrative of the original poem. The Project Gutenberg edition provides the complete text in a freely accessible digital format.
Publication Date: 1900
THE ILIAD and THE ODYSSEY
Credit: Homer (traditional attribution); Alexander Pope (translator)
Summary:
This combined edition gathers Alexander Pope's complete verse translations of both The Iliad and The Odyssey in a single volume. Preserving Pope's original poetic style, it presents the two great Homeric epics together, allowing readers to explore the Trojan War and its aftermath through one of the most famous English translations ever produced.
Publication Date: Ancient texts (c. 8th century BCE); Pope translations 1715–1726
Book Information:
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