The Odyssey

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 Trojan War, which lasted ten years, his journey lasts for ten additional years, during which time he encounters many perils and all his crewmates are killed.

《奥德赛》是古希腊最重要的两部史诗之一，是盲诗人荷马所作。这部史诗是西方文学的奠基之作，是除《伊利亚特》外现存最古老的西方文学作品。一般认为，《奥德赛》创作于公元前8世纪末的爱奥尼亚，即今希腊安纳托利亚的沿海地区。主要讲述了希腊英雄奥德修斯在特洛伊陷落后返乡。十年特洛伊战争结束后，奥德修斯又漂泊了十年，才回到了故乡伊萨卡。《奥德赛》现在有多国语言翻译版，是公认的世界文学经典。