Learn of classical times and storytelling by reading Homer's famous epic, translated by George Chapman. Provided by Bartleby Library.

Study resource analyzes Homer s "The Odyssey," which relates the story of Odysseus s journey home. Includes an overview, analysis, study questions, and a review quiz.

Read an English translation by Samuel Butler of Homer's epic poem "The Odyssey."

Sets the stage for the voyages of Ulysses after the sack of Troy. Includes Minerva's counsel to the hero's son, Telemachus.

Ulysses relates his exploits upon leaving Aeoli, when his crew freed the ill winds, and how the sorceress Circe changed his crew into pigs.

Ulysses tells of visiting Hades to meet the ghosts of the seer Tiresias, Achilles, Agamemnon, and his mother, who speaks of Penelope's plight.

Ulysses tells of how Circe advised him to pass the Sirens without succumbing to their song, and how to avoid the perils of Scylla and Charybdis.

Ulysses takes leave of the house of Alcinous with a treasure, Neptune wreck his ship, and Minerva appears to prepare his safe return home.

Disguised by Minerva as an old beggar, Ulysses is met by his loyal swineherd Eumaeus, who offers hospitality but doesn't recognize him.

Minerva finds Telemachus to fetch him home, bearing gifts from Menelaus and Helen. He stops to see Eumaeus the swineherd first.

Ulysses listens as Telemachus, who does not recognize his father, is updated by Eumaeus. Ulysses finally reveals his true identity.

Penelope and her servants welcome Telemachus home, and she sends Eumaeus to fetch the old stranger who knew her husband Ulysses.

Ulysses, still disguised as an old beggar, is insulted by Penelope's suitors, who goad him into a fight. Penelope makes a rare appearance.

Penelope asks the old beggar about Ulysses, and weeps after him, not realizing he's at her side. His old nurse Euryclea recognizes him.

Telemachus addresses his mother Penelope's tenacious suitors, prior to setting off with Minerva on a sea voyage to search for his father Ulysses.

Telemachus has his father Ulysses, still disguised as an old beggar, shar a meal with Penelope's insolent suitors.

Minerva puts thoughts in Penelope's head about making the suitors compete in contests. Ulysses bests them at archery, but doesn't reveal himself.

Ulysses, still in disguise, slings arrows at the suitors, then angrily reveals his true identity. A bloodbath ensues, but Ulysses is victorious.

Euryclea wakes Penelope, who slept through the melee, to announce that Ulysses has returned home. The loving couple tenderly reunites.

Mercury escorts the suitors' ghosts to Hades. They recount their misdeeds to Ulysses' dead friends, who marvel at Penelope's wiles and virtue.

Minerva urges Telemachus to question Nestor on his father Ulysses' whereabouts. Nestor relates the voyage home from Troy.

Telemachus and Nestor's son Pisistratus visit Ulysses' friend Menelaus and his wife Helen. Penelope's suitors set sail to find and kill her son.

Mercury on behalf of Jove visits Calypso to ask her to release the homesick Ulysses. She does so, but leaves him vulnerable to Neptune's wrath.

Phaeacian princess Nausicaa encounters a shipwrecked Ulysses and offers hospitality. Ulysses prays to Minerva for sanctuary, and soon follows.

Minerva, disguised as a little girl, shows Ulysses the way to the home of King Alcinous. Ulysses sings for his supper, relating his adventures.

Ulysses weeps to hear a bard who doesn't know his identity sing of his quarrel with Achilles and other account of the Achaeans.

Ulysses identifies himself to king Alcinous and the assembled guests, and recounts his adventures with circe, the Cyclops, and Calypso.

Mythweb presents two versions of this classic tale by Homer about Odysseus' return to his native Greece after the Trojan War. Includes an index.