Odyssey (World Literature Library)

Author: Homer
Publisher:
Publish Date: 1999-06-01
Features: The book tells the story of the Greek army failing to breach the walls of Troy after a long siege. The clever Odysseus devises the Trojan Horse plan, building a giant wooden horse filled with soldiers. The Greek army feigns retreat, pretending to leave for the sea. The Trojans, mistaking the horse for a sacred relic, drag it into their city. At night, Greek soldiers emerge from the horse's belly and coordinate with the army outside to capture Troy. The victorious Greek army returns home, but many of them, except for Odysseus, are blocked by the god Poseidon on their journey. He drifts for ten years, facing various hardships and witnessing different customs, leading to many moving stories. While Odysseus is at war, the nobles of his kingdom begin to court his wife, Penelope, coveting his kingdom and wasting his wealth. Penelope remains loyal, and her son Telemachus, with the help of the goddess Athena, sets out to search for his father. Odysseus finally breaks free from the nymph Calypso's grasp and returns to his homeland, Ithaca. Together with his son, he kills the suitors and reunites with his wife. Athena helps restore peace between the people, and they establish a treaty.