The Odyssey
Translated by Barry B. Powell
From Our Blog
The gods and various mythological creatures -- from minor gods to nymphs to monsters -- play an integral role in Odysseus's adventures. They may act as puppeteers, guiding or diverting Odysseus's course; they may act as anchors, keeping Odysseus from journeying home; or they may act as obstacles, such as Cyclops, Scylla and Charbidis, or the Sirens.
Posted on August 7, 2014
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Homer's epic poem The Odyssey recounts the 10-year journey of Odysseus from the fall of Troy to his return home to Ithaca. The story has continued to draw people in since its beginning in an oral tradition, through the first Greek writing and integration into the ancient education system, the numerous translations over the ages, and modern retellings.
Posted on July 31, 2014
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Every Ancient Greek knew their names: Odysseus, Penelope, Telemachas, Nestor, Helen, Menelaos, Ajax, Kalypso, Nausica¤, Polyphemos, Ailos... The trials and tribulations of these characters occupied the Greek mind so much that they found their way into ancient art, whether mosaics or ceramics, mirrors or sculpture.
Posted on July 17, 2014
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The Ancient Greeks were incredibly imaginative and innovative in their depictions of scenes from The Odyssey which were usually painted onto vases, kylikes, wine jugs, or mixing bowls.
Posted on July 10, 2014
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The Ancient Greek gods are all the things that humans are -- full of emotions, constantly making mistakes -- with the exception of their immortality. It makes their lives and actions often comical or superficial -- a sharp contrast to the humans that are often at their mercy. The gods can show their favor, or displeasure; men and women are puppets in their world.
Posted on July 3, 2014
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Homer's epic poem The Odyssey is a classic adventure filled with shipwrecks, feuds, obstacles, mythical creatures, and divine interventions. But how to visualize the thrilling voyage? The map below traces Odysseus's travel as recounted to the Phaeacians near the end of his wandering across the Mediterranean.
Posted on June 26, 2014
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How do you hear the call of the poet to the Muse that opens every epic poem? The following is extract from Barry B. Powell's new free verse translation of The Odyssey by Homer. It is accompanied by two recordings: one of the first 105 lines in Ancient Greek, the other of the first 155 lines in the new translation. How does your understanding change in each of the different versions?
Posted on June 19, 2014
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