| Author |
Homer, 751? BCE-651? BCE |
| Translator |
Butler, Samuel, 1835-1902 |
| Title |
The Odyssey
Rendered into English prose for the use of those who cannot read the original
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| Note |
See also PG#1728 and PG#3160
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| Note |
Reading ease score: 75.5 (7th grade). Fairly easy to read.
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| Credits |
Jim Tinsley and David Widger
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| Summary |
"The Odyssey" by Homer is an epic poem attributed to the ancient Greek poet, believed to have been composed in the late 8th century BC. This foundational work of Western literature chronicles the adventures of Odysseus, a clever hero whose journey home following the Trojan War is fraught with peril, delays, and divine intervention. The central narrative follows Odysseus' attempts to return to his wife, Penelope, and son, Telemachus, while grappling with the challenges posed by suitors in his absence. The opening portion of "The Odyssey" sets the stage for the epic tale by introducing the plight of its hero, Odysseus, who is trapped on the island of Ogygia by the goddess Calypso as he longs to return to Ithaca. The narrative begins with a divine council at Olympus, where the gods discuss Odysseus's fate, revealing their sympathy for him, especially from Athena. It quickly shifts to Ithaca, where Telemachus grapples with his father's absence and the disrespectful suitors devouring his household. Prompted by Athena, he resolves to seek news of Odysseus, embarking on a quest that propels him into a broader world of heroism, fate, and familial loyalty. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
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| Language |
English |
| LoC Class |
PA: Language and Literatures: Classical Languages and Literature
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| Subject |
Homer -- Translations into English
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| Subject |
Epic poetry, Greek -- Translations into English
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| Subject |
Odysseus, King of Ithaca (Mythological character)
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| Category |
Text |
| EBook-No. |
1727 |
| Release Date |
Apr 1, 1999 |
| Most Recently Updated |
Dec 2, 2023 |
| Copyright Status |
Public domain in the USA. |
| Downloads |
17119 downloads in the last 30 days. |
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