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 a Plot Overview of The Odyssey or a chapter by chapter Summary and Analysis.

Characters

See a complete list of the characters in The Odyssey and in-depth analyses of Odysseus, Telemachus, Penelope, Athena, Calypso, and Circe.

Main Ideas

Here's where you'll find analysis about The Odyssey as a whole, from the major themes and ideas to analysis of style, tone, point of view, and more.

Quotes

Find the quotes you need to support your essay, or refresh your memory of The Odyssey by reading these key quotes.

Further Study

Test your knowledge of The Odyssey with our quizzes and study questions, or go further with essays on context, background, and movie adaptations, plus links to the best resources around the web.

Section Quizzes

Writing Help

Get ready to write your paper on The Odyssey with our suggested essay topics, sample essays, and more.

Purchase

Go to BN.com to get your copy of these helpful resources.

The Odyssey SparkNotes Literature Guide

 
Buy Now
  • View all Available Study Guides

    • The Odyssey SparkNotes Literature Guide

    EBOOK EDITION

    Ace your assignments with our guide to The Odyssey! 

    BUY NOW

    Take a Study Break