The Odyssey by Homer (-790)

Name: The Odyssey
Author: Homer

The Odyssey is an epic poem written by the ancient Greek poet Homer. It tells the story of Odysseus, the king of Ithaca, and his long journey home after the Trojan War. The poem begins with Odysseus being held captive on the island of Ogygia by the nymph Calypso. After seven years, the gods intervene and Odysseus is allowed to leave. He then embarks on a long and dangerous journey home, facing many obstacles along the way. He encounters the Cyclops, the Sirens, and the witch Circe, among other creatures. Eventually, Odysseus makes it back to Ithaca, where he is reunited with his wife, Penelope, and his son, Telemachus. He then sets out to reclaim his kingdom from the suitors who have been courting Penelope in his absence. After a long and bloody battle, Odysseus is victorious and reclaims his throne. The Odyssey is a timeless classic that has inspired countless works of literature, art, and film. It is a story of courage, perseverance, and the power of the human spirit.

By Homer · First published -790 · Genre: Epic Poetry, Mythology, Adventure · 26 chapters · 120,114 words

First lines

Tell me, O Muse, of that ingenious hero who travelled far and wide after he had sacked the famous town of Troy. Many cities did he visit, and many were the nations with whose manners and customs he was acquainted; moreover he suffered much by sea while trying to save his own life and bring his men safely home; but do what he might he could not save his men, for they perished through their own sheer folly in eating the cattle of the Sun-god Hyperion; so the god prevented them from ever reaching home. Tell me, too, about all these things, oh daughter of Jove, from whatsoever source you may know them.

What this Textopian page supports

The Odyssey is listed on Textopian as a novel by Homer, dated 790 BCE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Novel
Author: Homer
Date: 790 BCE
Language: English
Genres: Epic Poetry, Mythology, Adventure, Fantasy, Classical Literature
Length: 120,114 words
Structure: 26 chapters, 3,300 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Epic Poetry — The Odyssey is an epic poem written by Homer, and is considered one of the earliest surviving works of Western literature.
Mythology — The Odyssey is a mythological tale, featuring gods, goddesses, and other supernatural beings.
Adventure — The Odyssey follows the adventures of the hero Odysseus as he attempts to return home after the Trojan War.
Fantasy — The Odyssey features fantastical elements such as the Cyclops, the Sirens, and the Land of the Dead.