The Odyssey

An Apple Books Classic edition.

Homer’s eighth-century epic poem is a companion to The Iliad. It tells the story of Odysseus, who journeys by ship for 10 years after the Trojan War, trying to make his way back home to Ithaca. Homer’s work was intended to be performed out loud, so it’s a masterful example of poetic meter and rhythm. But above all, ;The Odyssey is a story of adventure-and true love.

Odysseus has been gone for 20 years, and he longs to reclaim his role as king and reunite with his beloved, faithful Queen Penelope. During his absence, hundreds of suitors have eaten his food, lived in his home, and even plotted to kill his son. But before he can confront his enemies at home, Odysseus must fight a cyclops, escape after being imprisoned by a lovesick nymph, and confront the twin terrors of Scylla and Charybdis. As if that wasn’t enough, the gods take their grudges out on him, adding obstacles to suit their whims. Will Odysseus ever get home? And what will he find once he does? Within the pages of this ancient Greek classic are the origins for many of the myths we’re familiar with today. Pick up a copy and meet Odysseus, Homer’s timeless hero.