What is the background of The Odyssey?

The Odyssey is an epic poem in 24 books traditionally attributed to the ancient Greek poet Homer. The poem is the story of Odysseus, king of Ithaca, who wanders for 10 years (although the action of the poem covers only the final six weeks) trying to get home after the Trojan War.

Is The Odyssey based on historical events?

800-700 BC, so although they are based on vaguely real historical events and actual historical characters, they are events that transpired hundreds of years before the author even lived; they are history that has morphed into mythology.

What time period is The Odyssey from?

the Bronze Age
The Odyssey was composed around the year 700 B.C.E. The poem is set about 500 years earlier, around 1200 B.C.E., a period known as the Bronze Age. The poet imagines this time as a golden age in which kings enjoy extraordinary wealth, warriors possess almost superhuman strength, and women are supernaturally beautiful.

What inspired The Odyssey?

Scholars believe that the stories in the Odyssey originated as oral performances by wandering poets and later, during the 8th Century BC, they were edited and written by ‘Homer’. The poem focuses on the Greek hero Odysseus – or Ulysses, as he appears in Roman myths – king of Ithaca.

Was The Odyssey based on a true story?

Homer’s “Odyssey” recounts the adventures of the Greek hero Odysseus during his journey home from the Trojan War. Though some parts may be based on real events, the encounters with monsters, giants and magicians are considered to be complete fiction.

What is the importance of The Odyssey?

The story of the Odyssey is a quintessential quest that relates to the passage through life and the importance of love and family and home. Many readers today find the Odyssey more accessible and more “modern” than the “archaic” Iliad.

What is theme of The Odyssey?

In this epic poem, there are three major themes: hospitality, loyalty, and vengeance.

Why is setting important in The Odyssey?

In Homer’s Odyssey, setting determines many of Odysseus’ challenges and becomes a significant part of the tale as the characters and events. While the story involves a journey that lasted over 10 years, the tale is told during the last 6 weeks of Odysseus’ journey.