Synopsis

The story of Odysseus after the Trojan War, trying to return home, but the Gods keep misdirecting him. Most of the story is related after the fact by people talking to Odysseus’ wife Penelope.

History

First publication:

The Odyssey is the the second of two volumes of epic poetry and is one of the oldest exisiting works of literature. Attributed to a blind wandering poet named Homer, it may have been a compilation of stories told by many different wandering bards and was handed down through oral tradition before it was committed to writing. The exact date then is unknown, but likely dates to 700 B.C. or earlier.

Review

As far as epics go, this is one of the oldest and best known of all time. The line between fact and fiction is often blurred as both history and myth are told in unison, but the themes are always timeless and thought provoking. Both mortal and immortal realms are remarkably depicted, and the suspense is not only classic, but well done to perpetuating the storyline. But if I hear "rosey fingered dawn" one more time...