The Odyssey is one of the most iconic works of Ancient Greek literature, and the news about Christopher Nolan’s upcoming adaptation brought it back into the spotlight. It also started a conversation about its publication history and English translations, and we’re here with all the details you should know.
What is The Odyssey About?
The Odyssey chronicles the journey of Odysseus, the legendary Greek king of Ithaca, to return home to his wife Penelope and son Telemachus after the Trojan War. What should’ve been a quick journey turns into ten years of wandering, as Odysseus and his men face many obstacles on their journey back to Ithaca.
Was Odysseus a Real Person?
There’s no historical evidence supporting Homer’s story about Odysseus’ epic journey. Even though no hard evidence of an ancient Greek king named Odysseus exists, it’s believed that Ithaca was a real place, but it’s uncertain where it was located.
When Was “The Odyssey” First Published?
Homer is credited as the author of The Iliad and The Odyssey, but this tale has been a part of the oral tradition long before it was written down. It’s believed it was composed around the 8th or 7th century BC in Homeric Greek, an archaic form of Ionic, with some Aeolic forms.
English Translations
George Chapman’s translation of The Odyssey was the first to find widespread success in the Western world after being published in 1616, along with The Iliad. Countless other scholars found success with their translations, including Robert Fitzgerald, while Emily Wilson made history as the first woman to publish an English translation of The Odyssey in 2018.