Revisiting Homer’s Odyssey

  • Published
Map of ancient Greece and Rome

From the gates of Troy to the Land of the Lotus Eaters, from the clutches of the cyclops to the deadly songs of the sirens, few stories surpass the literary impact on culture as Homer’s Odyssey. The Epic Greek poem has been a staple of Western Literature for well over 2000 years and is enjoying a resurgence in popularity with the release of director Christopher Nolan’s film starring Matt Damon, Zendaya, and Tom Holland.

Homer’s Odyssey tells the story of the 10-year struggle faced by the hero, Odysseus, as he must travel home after the Trojan War, chronicled in Homer’s earlier epic, The Iliad. Although he loses his men, his ships, and all of the plunder taken from Troy, Odysseus remains resolute and determined to find his homeland and to be reunited with his wife, Penelope, and his son, Telemachus.

Whether you are a steadfast reader of the classics or have never dared to tackle Homer before, here are this blogger’s picks for the "best of" works from and inspired by Homer’s epic tale.

Cover image for The Odyssey

The Odyssey

This translation by Robert Fagles is widely regarded as the definitive edition of the Homeric Tale. Thrill to the many obstacles and adventures undertaken by Odysseus as he must face off against man, gods, and monsters in his journey home.

Cover image for Ulysses

Ulysses

Inspired by Homer’s Odyssey and drawing on the Roman name for Odysseus, author James Joyce relives Odysseus's voyages through his modern protagonist, Leopold Bloom, who sells newspaper ads on the streets of Dublin in the early 20th century. A hefty but thoroughly enjoyable read from start to finish.

Ulysses film poster

Ulysses

This ambitious cinematic retelling of the Odyssey, produced by Dino De Laurentiis, stars Kirk Douglas as Ulysses and Sylvia Magnano as Penelope. An ancient world spectacle released in 1954, this film is worth seeing for anyone with a taste for Homer.

the return movie poster

The Return

This stunning film stars Ralph Fiennes as Odysseus and focuses on the last chapters of Homer’s epic. Odysseus returns to his homeland not as a conquering hero but disguised as a beggar, and learns that his home has been overrun by greedy suitors who seek the hand of his wife, Penelope. 

Cover image for The Odyssey

The Odyssey

A beautifully illustrated book ideal for young readers as well as Homer aficionados, author Gillian Cross and illustrator Neil Packer bring Homer’s epic to life with stunning results.

Odyssey Quiz

1. Polyphemus the Cyclops is actually the son of this Olympian god, who makes life difficult for Odysseus after his escape from the one-eyed giant’s clutches?

  • A. Zeus

  • B. Apollo

  • C. Hades

  • D. Poseidon

2. Which Greek hero featured in Homer’s Iliad turns his back on Odysseus out of pride when the wandering hero travels to the Land of the Dead?

  • A. Achilles

  • B. Ajax the Lesser

  • C. Ajax the Greater

  • D. Agamemnon

3. Which actor never played the character known as Odysseus or Ulysses?

  • A. William Shatner

  • B. Armand Assante

  • C. Kirk Douglas

4. Odysseus is the King of what Greek state?

  • A. Thebes

  • B. Sparta

  • C. Thessaly

  • D. Ithaca

5. Odysseus is known for his wisdom and his exceptional skill with what ancient weapon?

  • A. The short sword

  • B. The shield

  • C. The bow

  • D. The spear

6. What was the name of the princess who fell in love with Odysseus after he washed up on her beach?

  • A. Nausicaa

  • B. Iphenegia

  • C. Cassiopea

  • D. Cassandra

7. Odysseus’s Men Kill cattle that are sacred to what Olympian god?

  • A. Helios

  • B. Apollo

  • C. Zeus

  • D. Hermes

8. Odysseus spends seven years as the companion to which goddess?

  • A. Athena

  • B. Aphrodite

  • C. Calypso

  • D. Hecate

9. Name the goddess who intervenes in mortal affairs several times in The Odyssey to help Odysseus?

  • A. Hera

  • B. Artemis

  • C. Athena

  • D. Calypso

10. The witch Circe turns the men of Odysseus into what animals?

  • 1. Chickens

  • 2. Wolves

  • 3. Swine

  • 4. Goats

Answers

  1. D. Poseidon
  2. C. Ajax the Greater
  3. A. William Shatner
  4. D. Ithaca
  5. C. The bow
  6. A. Nausicaa
  7. A. Helios
  8. C. Calypso
  9. C. Athena
  10. C. Swine