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The Odyssey of Homer
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Audio CD
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Homer
5,281 books7,763 followersHomer (Greek: Όμηρος born c. 8th century BC) was a Greek poet who is credited as the author of the Iliad and the Odyssey, two epic poems that are foundational works of ancient Greek literature. Homer is considered one of the most revered and influential authors in history.
Homer's Iliad centers on a quarrel between King Agamemnon and the warrior Achilles during the last year of the Trojan War. The Odyssey chronicles the ten-year journey of Odysseus, king of Ithaca, back to his home after the fall of Troy. The poems are in Homeric Greek, also known as Epic Greek, a literary language which shows a mixture of features of the Ionic and Aeolic dialects from different centuries; the predominant influence is Eastern Ionic. Most researchers believe that the poems were originally transmitted orally. Despite being predominantly known for its tragic and serious themes, the Homeric poems also contain instances of comedy and laughter.
Homer's epic poems shaped aspects of ancient Greek culture and education, fostering ideals of heroism, glory, and honor. To Plato, Homer was simply the one who "has taught Greece" (τὴν Ἑλλάδα πεπαίδευκεν). In Dante Alighieri's Divine Comedy, Virgil refers to Homer as "Poet sovereign", king of all poets; in the preface to his translation of the Iliad, Alexander Pope acknowledges that Homer has always been considered the "greatest of poets". From antiquity to the present day, Homeric epics have inspired many famous works of literature, music, art, and film.
The question of by whom, when, where and under what circumstances the Iliad and Odyssey were composed continues to be debated. Scholars remain divided as to whether the two works are the product of a single author. It is thought that the poems were composed at some point around the late eighth or early seventh century BC. Many accounts of Homer's life circulated in classical antiquity; the most widespread account was that he was a blind bard from Ionia, a region of central coastal Anatolia in present-day Turkey. Modern scholars consider these accounts legendary.
French: Homère, Italian: Omero, Portuguese, Spanish: Homero.
Homer's Iliad centers on a quarrel between King Agamemnon and the warrior Achilles during the last year of the Trojan War. The Odyssey chronicles the ten-year journey of Odysseus, king of Ithaca, back to his home after the fall of Troy. The poems are in Homeric Greek, also known as Epic Greek, a literary language which shows a mixture of features of the Ionic and Aeolic dialects from different centuries; the predominant influence is Eastern Ionic. Most researchers believe that the poems were originally transmitted orally. Despite being predominantly known for its tragic and serious themes, the Homeric poems also contain instances of comedy and laughter.
Homer's epic poems shaped aspects of ancient Greek culture and education, fostering ideals of heroism, glory, and honor. To Plato, Homer was simply the one who "has taught Greece" (τὴν Ἑλλάδα πεπαίδευκεν). In Dante Alighieri's Divine Comedy, Virgil refers to Homer as "Poet sovereign", king of all poets; in the preface to his translation of the Iliad, Alexander Pope acknowledges that Homer has always been considered the "greatest of poets". From antiquity to the present day, Homeric epics have inspired many famous works of literature, music, art, and film.
The question of by whom, when, where and under what circumstances the Iliad and Odyssey were composed continues to be debated. Scholars remain divided as to whether the two works are the product of a single author. It is thought that the poems were composed at some point around the late eighth or early seventh century BC. Many accounts of Homer's life circulated in classical antiquity; the most widespread account was that he was a blind bard from Ionia, a region of central coastal Anatolia in present-day Turkey. Modern scholars consider these accounts legendary.
French: Homère, Italian: Omero, Portuguese, Spanish: Homero.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
June 9, 2026
I came across this old radio series on Libby! I was excited for a dramatization version because I’ve been unsuccessful in my attempts to read the story. What an incredible tale the
actors brought to life! Not only did I enjoy a thrilling story with memorable characters but I came away thinking about the enduring power of storytelling in all its many forms.
actors brought to life! Not only did I enjoy a thrilling story with memorable characters but I came away thinking about the enduring power of storytelling in all its many forms.
June 16, 2012
If it hadn't been brought to life by this dramatization, I might never have realized just how amazing the story was.
April 2, 2020
I have never read The Odyssey although I am familiar with the story based on reading other books. Acknowledging that I would never sit down and read the book, I decided to listen to the tale. This National Radio Theater production is a good dramatization of the story. Even more interesting is the production itself. It was recorded in 1981. The offer of a free informative booklet which could be obtained by calling a toll free number and having it mailed reminds me how things have changed. I tried finding the document on line to no avail. Technology has completely transformed the way we share information. The program was recorded in several installments and the constant mention about the importance of radio is yet another reminder of changes. I doubt people under 30 even think about a radio these days. It was nice to hear Ed Asner’s voice as the program host.
Learning the origin and of the word “mentor” was a bonus.
Learning the origin and of the word “mentor” was a bonus.
July 9, 2025
3.5 stars- This is a dated recording (even though the original story is centuries old), but it grew on me as I listened. It still has the original radio ads in between segments and I didn't recognize any of the actors, other the Ed Asner, who hosted. The story itself is as good as I remembered. I especially liked the commentary from experts detailing how aspects would have been received by contemporary audiences and society of the time of Homer.
October 10, 2021
Awesome!
December 31, 2021
A fun dramatization, with expert commentary and analysis between the sections.
April 5, 2023
I love radio theater, and this was a fantastic text to experience in that format. The fantastical twists & turns, the overall plot, and the creative enactment of the Odyssey made this a great, entertaining read.
May 20, 2019
This was a fantastic listen as a dramatic reading from the National Radio Theater, with a full cast.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews