This Literature Unit Is:

The Odyssey by Homer
The One-Eyed Giant: Book One
by
Mary Pope Osborne

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.

The One-Eyed Giant introduces young readers to Odysseus. Not only do readers meet the famous Cyclops, Polyphemus, but they also meet the the lotus-eaters, the Trojan Horse and the god of the wind, Aeolus. This is an excellent retelling for young readers. Nice to know there are five more volumes.

Edition I Use: The One-Eyed Giant by Mary Pope Osborne from the Tales from the Odyssey series.
ISBN: 0-7868-0928-0 / $4.99 paperback / 105 pages
Buy this Edition at Amazon.com / This is not available on-line.

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