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 translation by Richard Lattimore is very readable and has a good introduction which briefly describes the events of the poem.

Edition I Use: The Odyssey of Homer translated by Richard Lattimore
ISBN: 0-06-093195-7 / $13.00 / $9.75 at Amazon.com
Buy this Edition at Amazon.com / Available on-line here (not the translation I use)

Unit Sections: