description Homer Overview
Homer is a Greek poet whose oral tradition produced seminal works like the Iliad and the Odyssey. These epic poems, composed around the 8th century BCE, are foundational texts of Western literature. He is primarily studied by scholars, students, and anyone interested in early Greek culture and storytelling.
help Homer FAQ
Did Homer write both the Iliad and the Odyssey?
Tradition credits Homer with both the Iliad and the Odyssey. Modern scholars debate how these epics formed, but they are usually placed in the world of ancient Greek oral poetry around the 8th century BCE.
What is the Iliad about?
The Iliad focuses on a short period near the end of the Trojan War. Its central conflict is the anger of Achilles after a dispute with Agamemnon.
What is the Odyssey about?
The Odyssey follows Odysseus as he tries to return to Ithaca after the Trojan War. Its famous episodes include the Cyclops Polyphemus, Circe, the Sirens, and Penelope's suitors.
Which translation of Homer is often used by first-time readers?
Emily Wilson's Odyssey, published in 2017, became widely discussed because it was the first English translation of the poem by a woman. Robert Fagles and Richmond Lattimore are also common choices in English-language courses.
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