Odyssey

Odyssey is an epic poem from ancient Greece, traditionally attributed to the poet Homer. It is one of the two major works of Homer, the other being the Iliad. The Odyssey is fundamental to the modern Western canon and is the second oldest extant work of Western literature, the Iliad being the oldest. Scholars believe it was composed near the end of the 8th century BC, somewhere in Ionia, the Greek coastal region of Anatolia.

Plot Summary

The poem mainly focuses on the Greek hero Odysseus (known as Ulysses in Roman myths), king of Ithaca, and his journey home after the fall of Troy. It takes Odysseus ten years to reach Ithaca after the ten-year Trojan War. In his absence, it is assumed he has died, and his wife Penelope and son Telemachus must deal with a group of unruly suitors, the Mnesteres (Greek: Μνηστῆρες) or Proci, who compete for Penelope's hand in marriage.

Structure and Themes

The Odyssey is divided into 24 books. It follows the arc of Odysseus' journey and the trials he faces. The poem explores themes such as cunning vs. strength, the power of the gods, the effects of war, and loyalty.

Influence and Adaptations

The Odyssey has had a profound influence on literature and culture. It has been adapted and reinterpreted in various forms and genres, including drama, opera, and film.

See Also

• Homer
• Iliad
• Greek mythology
• Trojan War

External Links

• Britannica: Odyssey

Odyssey Resources
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