The Odyssey
(c. 850? BC)
Author: Homer
In collections: GBWW, HTR
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      The Odyssey is an epic poem set during the aftermath of the Trojan War (12th or 13th century BC), and mainly follows the ten-year journey of Odysseus as he tries to return to his home, and the struggles of his wife Penelope and son Telemachus to fend off the many suitors vying for Penelope's hand in marriage (as Odysseus is assumed to be dead). The "standard" version consists of 12,110 lines written in dactylic hexameter. For more information, check out the study guides and helps in the "Resources" tab.

The Odyssey appears in these reading lists / collections:
  • Great Books of the Western World
  • Harvard Classics
  • How to Read a Book
  • Great Books Foundation Adult Discussion Series
  • Grtbooks.com Major Works List (all works in Great Books of the Western World, Harvard Classics, How to Read a Book, or the Great Books Foundation Adult Discussion Series)
  • Grtbooks.com Core Reading List (all works found in at least three of the four lists making up the Major Works List)
Online study guides and helps:
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