Homer’s 8th century BCE oral narrative of a warrior’s decades-long quest to return home defines epic poetry. Together with its companion poem The Iliad, The Odyssey describes the action and aftermath of the Trojan Wars, and is the model for the heroic quest. Read a character analysis of Odysseus, plot summary, and important quotes.
Summary
Read our full plot summary and analysis of The Odyssey, chapter by chapter break-downs, and more.
-
Summary & Analysis
- Books 1–2
- Books 3–4
- Books 5–6
- Books 7–8
- Book 9
- Books 10–11
- Books 12–14
- Books 15–16
- Books 17–18
- Books 19–20
- Books 21–22
- Books 23–24
Characters
See a complete list of the characters in The Odyssey and in-depth analyses of Odysseus, Telemachus, Penelope, Athena, Calypso, and Circe.
Literary Devices
Here's where you'll find analysis of the literary devices in The Odyssey, from the major themes to motifs, symbols, and more.
Questions & Answers
Explore our selection of frequently asked questions about The Odyssey and find the answers you need.
- Why does Telemachus go to Pylos and Sparta?
- How does Odysseus escape Polyphemus?
- Why doesn’t the goddess Athena get Odysseus home sooner?
- Why does Odysseus kill the suitors?
- How does Penelope test Odysseus?
- What is happening at the beginning of The Odyssey?
- Why does Athena help Odysseus so much?
- Why does Nestor invite Telemachus to the feast before knowing his identity?
- Why does Calypso allow Odysseus to leave her island?
- Why does Odysseus sleep with Circe?
- Why does Odysseus travel to Hades?
- Why does Odysseus fail to reveal his identity to Penelope when they are first reunited?
- Does Penelope really intend to marry one of her suitors?
- How do Odysseus and Telemachus defeat the suitors?
- Would Odysseus have survived without Athena’s help?
Quotes
Find the quotes you need to support your essay, or refresh your memory of The Odyssey by reading these key quotes.
-
By Theme
- Homecoming
- Divine justice
- Cunning
-
By Symbol
- Food
- The Wedding Bed
-
By Setting
- The Mediterranean Coast
Quick Quizzes
Test your knowledge of The Odyssey with quizzes about every section, major characters, themes, symbols, and more.
Essays
Get ready to ace your The Odyssey paper with our suggested essay topics, helpful essays about historical and literary context, a sample A+ student essay, and more.
Further Study
Test your knowledge of The Odyssey with quizzes about every section, major characters, themes, symbols, and more.
