Homer’s Odyssey

INTRODUCTION

Odyssey was an epic poem that was written by an ancient Greek poet by the name of Homer. It was intended as a sequel to his original epic poem entitled Iliad. These two epic poems are considered to be the oldest surviving texts that date back to the 8th Century BC. It is believed that Homer wrote the poem somewhere in Ionia which is in Anatolia, Greece although this is not something that has been proved and it is only speculation.

WHAT IS ODYSSEY ABOUT?

The main protagonist in the poem is a Greek hero by the name of Odysseus. Odysseus is not only known to ancient Greek culture but also the ancient Roman culture. The Romans however knew him by the name of Ulysses.

The poem follows Odysseus as he takes 10 years to return home after the battle of Troy. In his absence, his wife (Penelope) believed him to have been dead. Penelope and her son Telemachus are seen to have to fight off men who wish to compete for Penelope’s hand in marriage.

WHAT LANGUAGE WAS ODYSSEY WRITTEN IN?

Originally Odyssey was written in what has become termed as Homeric Greek. The term is called Homeric for the only written word in this language is Homer’s work of Iliad and Odyssey.

Many scholars believe that the poem was not originally written down but instead was an Ancient poem that was meant to be said and passed down orally. Due to this belief there is also some controversy surrounding the issue of authorship and the age of the story itself.

Odyssey as well as the original Iliad have both since been translated into most modern languages. It is a work of literature that has been on the Western canon for many years and is regarded as an essential read for any literature student.

WHAT LITERATURE TECHNIQUES ARE STUDIED IN ODYSSEY?

Odyssey is a complicated piece of literature with many techniques that are involved in the story telling. Firstly it is written in dactylic hexameter which is a form of rhythmic meter that is often associated with classical poetry. The poem also opens in the middle of the story with many scenes being relayed through the technique of flash backs.

CONCLUSION

Odyssey is a classic epic poem that should be studied by anyone who is interested in either creative writing or in studying literature. Writing techniques such as flashbacks, characterization and rhythmic meters are all techniques that can be studied throughout the poem.