The Odyssey

Overview
Book I Book II Book III Book IV Book V Book VI Book VII
Book VIII Book IX Book X Book XI Book XII Book XIII Book XIV Book XV Book XVI Book XVII Book XVIII Book XIX Book XX Book XXI Book XXII Book XXIII Book XXIV

The Odyssey is one of two major Ancient Greek epic poems attributed to Homer. It is one of the oldest extant works of literature still read by contemporary audiences. As with the Iliad, the poem is divided into 24 books. It follows the Greek hero, Odysseus, king of Ithaca, and his journey home after the Trojan War. After the war itself, which lasted ten years, his journey lasts for another ten years, during which time he encounters many dangers.

It is written in dactylic hexameter. It opens in medias res, in the middle of the overall story, with prior events described through flashbacks and storytelling.

In the Classical period, some of the books (individually and in groups) were commonly given their own titles:

Book 1–4: Telemachy: the story focuses on the perspective of Telemachus.
Books 9–12: Apologoi: Odysseus recalls his adventures for his Phaeacian hosts.
Book 22: Mnesterophonia: the slaughter of the Suitors.