The Odyssey

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The first great adventure story in the Western canon, this poem explores themes of violence, war's aftermath, wealth, power, marriage, family, and the longing for home. This fresh, authoritative translation—the first by a woman—revitalizes the tale of shipwrecks, monsters, and magic. Written in iambic pentameter and a contemporary idiom, it mirrors the number of lines in the Greek original, capturing Homer's lively pace and musicality. The translation highlights the beauty and enchantment of the ancient poem while maintaining its suspense and drama. Unforgettable characters include the cunning goddess Athena, who guides the hero; Telemachus, the awkward teenage son striving for adulthood and his father's return; and Penelope, the clever wife fending off suitors during her husband's absence. The hero himself emerges as a more complex figure, with many disguises and moods. A fascinating introduction provides insights into the Bronze Age context, the poem's major themes, controversies surrounding its origins, and its profound influence. Enhanced with specially drawn maps, a pronunciation glossary, and extensive notes and summaries, this translation is poised to be cherished by a new generation of scholars, students, and general readers alike.