About the Odyssey

Features of an epic poem

Plot centres around a hero with unbelievable stature, involves deeds of supernatural strength, a vast setting with many places, involves supernatural forces, long, starts in media res, tells of a quest that the hero embarks on, the poet remains omniscient as they control all perspectives

How many books?

24

What does the Odyssey describe?

Odysseus journey home after fighting in the Trojan War

Author

Homer

Who is Homer?

Not much is known about him - he could be female, may be multiple poets writing centuries apart

What style is the Odyssey written in?

Oral poetry

Who read the Odyssey?

Bards, reciting it from memory

What helps the bard remember the epic poem?

The rhythm and metre were consistent (in greek) and there were many devices such as similes and formula