# Odyssey

> epic poem attributed to Homer

**Wikidata**: [Q35160](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q35160)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Odyssey)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/odyssey

## Summary
Odyssey is an epic poem attributed to Homer, a foundational work of ancient Greek literature. It recounts the journey of Odysseus as he returns home from the Trojan War, exploring themes of heroism, cunning, and human nature. The poem is part of the broader Epic Cycle and is celebrated for its storytelling and cultural significance.

## Key Facts
- An epic poem attributed to Homer, composed in the 8th century BCE.
- Part of the Epic Cycle, detailing the Trojan War and the return of Greek heroes.
- Known for its themes of heroism, cunning, and human nature.
- Composed in dactylic hexameter, a poetic meter used in ancient Greek epics.
- Includes the Telemachy, the first four books of the Odyssey.
- Preceded by the Nostoi, a lost epic about the return of Greek heroes.
- Succeeded by the Telegony, a poem by Eugammon of Cyrene.
- Contains 24 books, with the first four (Telemachy) focusing on Odysseus' son Telemachus.
- Attributed to the Ionian League, a confederation of Greek city-states.
- Influenced by Greek mythology and epic poetry.
- Studied and celebrated worldwide for its storytelling and cultural impact.
- Linked to the Homeric Question, a debate about Homer's identity and authorship.
- Associated with the concept of Homeric laughter, reflecting its cultural influence.
- Part of the broader Greco-Roman literary tradition, alongside works by Livius Andronicus.
- Contains structured properties from Wikidata, including identifiers like P18, P214, P227, and P244.
- Has aliases such as "the Odyssey" and "Homer's Odyssey."
- Includes references to specific bibliographic databases, such as VIAF, LCCN, and ISNI.
- Connected to the Space Odyssey media franchise, including films and novels by Arthur C. Clarke.
- Mentioned in episodes of *The Simpsons*, such as "Homer's Odyssey" and "Homer's Night Out."

## FAQs
**What is the Odyssey?**
The Odyssey is an epic poem attributed to Homer, recounting the journey of Odysseus as he returns home from the Trojan War. It is part of the Epic Cycle and is celebrated for its storytelling and exploration of human nature.

**Who is the author of the Odyssey?**
The Odyssey is attributed to Homer, a reputed author of ancient Greek literature. However, the Homeric Question debates the true identity of the poet and the authorship of the work.

**What is the structure of the Odyssey?**
The Odyssey consists of 24 books, with the first four (Telemachy) focusing on Odysseus' son Telemachus. It is written in dactylic hexameter and is part of the broader Epic Cycle.

**What themes does the Odyssey explore?**
The Odyssey explores themes of heroism, cunning, and human nature. It details the challenges Odysseus faces on his journey home, reflecting the complexities of life and the human condition.

**How does the Odyssey relate to Greek mythology?**
The Odyssey is deeply connected to Greek mythology, as it features characters and events from the broader mythological tradition. It is part of the Epic Cycle, which tells the story of the Trojan War and its aftermath.

**What is the Homeric Question?**
The Homeric Question refers to the debate and doubts about the identity of Homer and the authorship of the *Iliad* and *Odyssey*. It reflects the uncertainty surrounding the works' origins and the poet's true identity.

**How does the Odyssey influence modern literature?**
The Odyssey has had a profound influence on modern literature, shaping storytelling, epic poetry, and the exploration of human nature. Its themes and characters continue to inspire writers and scholars worldwide.

**What is the relationship between the Odyssey and the Epic Cycle?**
The Odyssey is part of the Epic Cycle, a series of poems that tell the story of the Trojan War and the return of Greek heroes. It is preceded by the *Iliad* and followed by the *Telegony*, among other works.

**How is the Odyssey preserved and studied today?**
The Odyssey is preserved and studied through various bibliographic databases and academic sources. It is referenced in multiple identifiers, including VIAF, LCCN, and ISNI, ensuring its accessibility and scholarly engagement.

**What is the significance of the Odyssey in ancient Greek culture?**
The Odyssey holds significant cultural importance in ancient Greece, influencing mythology, epic poetry, and storytelling. It is associated with the Ionian League and reflects the values and beliefs of the time.

## Why It Matters
The Odyssey is central to ancient Greek literature and has had a profound impact on Western thought. As a foundational epic poem, it shapes our understanding of heroism, storytelling, and human nature. The themes explored in the Odyssey continue to resonate, influencing modern literature, film, and cultural expression. Its study enables a deeper understanding of ancient Greek society, mythology, and the human condition. The Odyssey's legacy extends beyond its literary significance, inspiring artistic and intellectual exploration for centuries. Its influence on Greek mythology and epic poetry ensures its enduring relevance in the study of ancient and modern literature.

## Notable For
- Being an epic poem attributed to Homer, one of the most influential works in Western literature.
- Detailing the journey of Odysseus, a central figure in Greek mythology.
- Exploring themes of heroism, cunning, and human nature.
- Being part of the Epic Cycle, which tells the story of the Trojan War and its aftermath.
- Influencing Greek mythology and epic poetry through its characters and themes.
- Being associated with the Homeric Question, a debate about Homer's identity and authorship.
- Inspiring modern literature, film, and cultural expression.
- Being preserved and studied through various bibliographic databases and academic sources.
- Having a significant cultural impact in ancient Greece, associated with the Ionian League.
- Being referenced in multiple identifiers, ensuring its accessibility and scholarly engagement.
- Being part of the Space Odyssey media franchise, including films and novels by Arthur C. Clarke.
- Being mentioned in episodes of *The Simpsons*, reflecting its cultural influence.

## Body

### Definition and Nature
The Odyssey is an epic poem attributed to Homer, composed in the 8th century BCE. It recounts the journey of Odysseus as he returns home from the Trojan War, exploring themes of heroism, cunning, and human nature. The poem is written in dactylic hexameter and is part of the broader Epic Cycle, which includes the *Iliad* and other works detailing the Trojan War and its aftermath.

### Structure and Composition
The Odyssey consists of 24 books, with the first four (Telemachy) focusing on Odysseus' son Telemachus. It is written in dactylic hexameter, a poetic meter used in ancient Greek epics. The poem is divided into distinct sections, each detailing a different part of Odysseus' journey and the challenges he faces.

### Themes and Characters
The Odyssey explores themes of heroism, cunning, and human nature. It features a cast of characters, including Odysseus, Penelope, Telemachus, and the goddess Athena. These characters are central to the story, reflecting the complexities of life and the human condition.

### Relationship to Greek Mythology
The Odyssey is deeply connected to Greek mythology, as it features characters and events from the broader mythological tradition. It is part of the Epic Cycle, which tells the story of the Trojan War and the return of Greek heroes. The poem's themes and characters continue to influence modern literature and cultural expression.

### The Homeric Question
The Homeric Question refers to the debate and doubts about the identity of Homer and the authorship of the *Iliad* and *Odyssey*. It reflects the uncertainty surrounding the works' origins and the poet's true identity. The question has sparked centuries of scholarly debate and remains a key topic in the study of ancient Greek literature.

### Influence on Modern Literature
The Odyssey has had a profound influence on modern literature, shaping storytelling, epic poetry, and the exploration of human nature. Its themes and characters continue to inspire writers and scholars worldwide. The poem's legacy extends beyond its literary significance, influencing film, art, and cultural expression.

### Preservation and Study
The Odyssey is preserved and studied through various bibliographic databases and academic sources. It is referenced in multiple identifiers, including VIAF, LCCN, and ISNI, ensuring its accessibility and scholarly engagement. The poem's study enables a deeper understanding of ancient Greek society, mythology, and the human condition.

### Cultural Impact
The Odyssey holds significant cultural importance in ancient Greece, associated with the Ionian League. It reflects the values and beliefs of the time and has influenced Greek mythology, epic poetry, and storytelling. The poem's cultural impact extends beyond its literary significance, inspiring artistic and intellectual exploration for centuries.

### Connections to Other Works
The Odyssey is part of the broader Greco-Roman literary tradition, alongside works by Livius Andronicus. It is also connected to the Space Odyssey media franchise, including films and novels by Arthur C. Clarke. The poem's themes and characters are referenced in various cultural and artistic works, reflecting its enduring relevance.

### Bibliographic Details
The Odyssey is referenced in multiple bibliographic databases, including VIAF, LCCN, and ISNI. These identifiers ensure its accessibility and scholarly engagement, allowing for detailed study and analysis. The poem's preservation and study are facilitated through various academic and cultural institutions.

### Cultural References
The Odyssey is referenced in multiple cultural and artistic works, including episodes of *The Simpsons* and the Space Odyssey media franchise. These references reflect its enduring relevance and cultural impact, ensuring its continued engagement with audiences worldwide.

## References

1. Internet Speculative Fiction Database
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. MusicBrainz
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
5. [Croatian Encyclopedia](https://www.enciklopedija.hr/clanak/zamanja-bernard)
6. Library of Congress Name Authority File
7. BBC Things
8. [Odyssey | Memory Beta, non-canon Star Trek Wiki | Fandom](https://memory-beta.fandom.com/wiki/Odyssey)
9. [Motif-Index of Folk-Literature](https://sites.ualberta.ca/~urban/Projects/English/Content/a.htm)
10. [Motif-Index of Folk-Literature](https://sites.ualberta.ca/~urban/Projects/English/Content/b.htm)
11. [Motif-Index of Folk-Literature](https://sites.ualberta.ca/~urban/Projects/English/Content/d.htm)
12. Motif-Index of Folk-Literature: Volume 1: A–C
13. [Motif-Index of Folk-Literature: Volume 1: A–C](https://sites.ualberta.ca/~urban/Projects/English/Content/j.htm)
14. [Motif-Index of Folk-Literature](https://sites.ualberta.ca/~urban/Projects/English/Content/k.htm)
15. [Motif-Index of Folk-Literature](https://sites.ualberta.ca/~urban/Projects/English/Content/n.htm)
16. [Source](https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/abbrevhelp)
17. [Regional Database of the Central Bohemian Research Library in Kladno](https://ipac.svkkl.cz/arl-kl/cs/detail-kl_us_auth-0365307-Homeros-cinny-8-stoleti-pr-Kr)
18. Virtual Study of Theatre Institute