Description

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The Odyssey is one of two major ancient Greek epic poems attributed to Homer. It is, in part, a sequel to the Iliad, the other work ascribed to Homer. Scholars believe the Odyssey was composed near the end of the 8th century BC, somewhere in Ionia, the Greek coastal region of Anatolia. Many scholars believe the original poem was composed in an oral tradition by an epic poet/singer, perhaps by a professional performer, and was more likely intended to be heard than read. The details of the ancient oral performance and the story's conversion to a written work inspire continual debate among scholars. The Odyssey has a lost sequel, the Telegony, which was not written by Homer. It was usually attributed in antiquity to Cinaethon of Sparta. The poem mainly focuses on the Greek hero Odysseus, king of Ithaca, and his ten years journey home after the fall of Troy. In his absence, it is assumed Odysseus has died, and his wife Penelope and son Telemachus must deal with a group of suitors who compete for Penelope's hand in marriage.