READING HOMER’S ODYSSEY
Kath McKay
Language Room
Homer’s ODYSSEY is an ancient poem translated from the Greek but it remains fresh even today. It is a racy account of the Greek warrior hero Odysseus’ attempts to make his way home to his wife and son at the end of the Trojan War. The Gods and others put many obstacles in his path and he has to struggle to escape the clutches of those who wish to detain him.
Odysseus is known in Roman literature as Ulysses.
Robert Fagels’ translation provides an up to date version of this magnificent epic poem, making it easy to read (once you get a grip on the Greek names) and to recite. It has an almost hypnotic rhythm and can best be described as a ripping yarn.
NOTE: It is important that everyone has same text, in this instance Robert Fagel’s translation.