This Literature Unit Is:

The Odyssey
by Homer

Introduction

The Odyssey along with The Illiad, both most likely written by Homer, are two great epic poems of the ancient Greeks, many would say their greatest poems. They were used as the foundation for Greek education and have greatly influenced the culture and art of Western Civilization, so much so that today they have been called the "most important poems of the classical European tradition." For the ancient Greeks the poems gave them a definition of heroism and a moral standard by which to guide their lives.

The Odyssey is the story of Odysseus' journey back to his home after the battle at Troy (made famous to us by the Trojan Horse). There are many familiar stories here that have entered into our culture: the Cyclops, the Sirens and the journey into the underworld overseen by Hades and Persephone. It takes Odysseus 10 years to reach his home where more troubles and trials await him.

This edition of The Odyssey for younger readers begins with a brief account of the Trojan War, has excellent illustrations and lots of added information throughout the text regarding the culture of the ancient Greeks.

Edition I Use: The Odyssey, retold by Adrian Mitchell. Dorling Kindersley Classics
ISBN: 0-7894-5455-6 / $14.99 hardback / $10.19 at Amazon.com
Buy this Edition at Amazon.com

Unit Sections: