The Odyssey

Synopsis

Part of the Blackwell's Five Foot Bookshelf.
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The first great adventure story in the Western canon, The Odyssey is a poem about violence and the aftermath of war; about wealth, poverty and power; about marriage, family and identity; and about travellers, hospitality and the changing meanings of home in a strange world.

This vivid new translation-the first by a woman-matches the number of lines in the Greek original, striding at Homer's sprightly pace. Emily Wilson employs elemental, resonant language and an iambic pentameter to produce a translation with an enchanting \"rhythm and rumble\" that avoids proclaiming its own grandeur. An engrossing tale told in a compelling new voice that allows contemporary readers to luxuriate in Homer's descriptions and similes and to thrill at the tension and excitement of its hero's adventures, Wilson recaptures what is \"epic\" about this wellspring of world literature.

Specially bound paperback edition, with deckle-edging (rough-cut) pages and French flaps.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Invocation

* Odysseus, stranded on Calypso's island for seven years, is longing to return home.
* The goddess Athena, upon hearing his prayers, persuades Zeus to intervene.

Example:
"Sing to me, oh Muse, of the man who was resourceful,
Who wandered far and wide after sacking the sacred city of Troy."

Chapter 2: The Council of the Gods

* Zeus summons the gods and declares his intention to send Hermes to Calypso to release Odysseus.
* Hermes arrives on Calypso's island and delivers Zeus's message.

Example:
"Then Zeus, king of gods and men, spoke to the other gods:
'Listen to me, all you gods, that I may tell you my thoughts.'"

Chapter 3: Calypso's Island

* Odysseus, devastated by Calypso's decision to release him, departs the island on a raft built by himself.
* Poseidon, vengeful for Odysseus's blinding of his son Polyphemus, sends a storm to wreck his raft.

Example:
"He built a sturdy raft, using his tools with care,
And when it was finished, he launched it into the sea."

Chapter 4: The Isle of Scheria

* Odysseus survives the storm and washes ashore on the island of Scheria, home to the Phaeacians.
* He is found by the young princess Nausicaa, who takes pity on him and brings him to her father's palace.

Example:
"As I was there, I saw a maiden, young and fair,
Who walked along the beach, tossing balls in the air."

Chapter 5: The Phaeacian Banquet

* Odysseus is welcomed by King Alcinous and Queen Arete and feasted at their palace.
* Demodocus, the court bard, sings of the Trojan War and Odysseus's exploits.

Example:
"They welcomed me into their palace grand,
And seated me beside the king's right hand."

Chapter 6: The Song of Demodocus

* Odysseus, overcome by emotion at hearing his own story, reveals his identity to the Phaeacians.
* He recounts his adventures during the siege of Troy and his subsequent wanderings.

Example:
"I am Odysseus, sacked the holy town,
And wandered far and wide, by fate cast down."

Chapter 7: Odysseus and Alcinous

* Odysseus finishes his tale, and Alcinous promises him safe passage back to Ithaca.
* The Phaeacians build a ship for him and provide him with provisions.

Example:
"Then Alcinous turned to me and said:
'Your journey home is clear, fear not to tread.'"

Chapter 8: The Return to Ithaca

* Odysseus returns to Ithaca after twenty years and disguises himself as a beggar.
* He is reunited with his faithful swineherd Eumaeus and his son, Telemachus.

Example:
"As I approached my home, I hid my face,
For I knew not what fate awaited me in that place."