The Odyssey

The Odyssey is an epic poem, written by the ancient Greek Philosopher Homer, and is considered to be the second oldest piece of western literature still in existence. Scholars believe it was written at the end of the 8th century BC. Still heavily used in schools because of its unique literary makeup and historical value, the poems follow Greek hero Odysseus, as he journeys home after the ten year long Trojan War. His journey home takes another ten years, and Odysseus encounters many obstacles including adverse weather, mythical beasts, and angry gods. Many Scholars believe the Odyssey was originally composed in an oral tradition, intended to be heard, not read, making this epic classic a must have for audiobook listeners!

Homer is the name ascribed by the ancient Greeks to the author of the Iliad and the Odyssey, two epic poems which are the central works of ancient Greek literature. Regarded as the first, and best, of the epic poets, he is attributed with writing the first known literature of Europe. A widespread theory says that he was a blind bard from Ionia, or present-day Turkey. Current scholarship suggests that the Homeric poems are legends, and some suggest they had multiple authors. Scholars do not know his definite birth and death dates, but some speculate his writings go as far back as 850 BCE or later.