This is a retelling of Homer's Odyssey for children, starting from the destruction of Troy and recounting the many dangers that Odysseus faced on his long journey home to Ithaca. Geraldine McCaughrean's lively and original style is complemented by Victor Ambrus's brilliant recreations of the ancient word and its monsters and gods. The paperback edition is now reissued with a new cover.
There are 96 pages in this book. This book was published in 1999 by Oxford University Press .
Geraldine McCaughrean is the author of The Odyssey and other titles in the acclaimed Oxford Illustrated Classics series. "Homer" is the name given to the author or authors of the ancient Greek epic poems "Iliad" and "Odyssey", and could represent a single man who lived sometime between 800 and 900 B. C. , or it could represent a group of poets who collaborated on these major works. THANOS TSILIS was born in Athens in 1977, and studied graphic arts, illustration and animation. Most of his work has been in illustration, though in 2002 he also started working for animated films. From 2005 to 2008 he worked for Total Eclipse Games, and since then has worked mostly as a concept artist for advertising and digital entertainment. BEATRICE SAMPATAKOU is one of Greece's best-known retellers of Greek mythology, and has written the stories of the gods and goddesses of her literary tradition for all levels of readers. Her Greek-language versions of the Iliad and Odyssey are the standard versions used in Greek schools. Victor Ambrus is a well-known illustrator of over 300 children's picture books.
This book contains the following story:
The Odyssey
After ten bloody years the war with Troy is over - the Greeks have destroyed the city. Now it is time for Odysseus and the other Greeks to return to their kingdoms across the sea. But his voyage takes another ten years and he must face many dangers - Polyphemus the greedy one-eyed giant, Scylla the six-headed sea monster, the witch Circe who turns his men into pigs, the stupefied Lotus-Eaters and the enmity of the sea-god Poseidon himself- - before he is reunited with his wife and son.
The Odyssey is an epic poem attributed to the ancient Greek poet Homer. It tells the story of Odysseus (also known as Ulysses), the hero of the Trojan War, and his long and perilous journey home. Here is a summary of the plot:
The Departure: The story begins ten years after the end of the Trojan War. Odysseus has been struggling to return home to his wife, Penelope, and son, Telemachus, in the kingdom of Ithaca. Meanwhile, suitors have invaded his palace, seeking Penelope's hand in marriage.
The Adventures of Odysseus: The narrative shifts between Odysseus' journey and the events taking place in Ithaca. Odysseus faces numerous trials and encounters mythical creatures during his journey. These include battling the Cyclops Polyphemus, escaping the enchantress Circe, surviving the Sirens' song, navigating the treacherous sea passage between Scylla and Charybdis, and resisting the temptation of the seductive nymph Calypso.
The Homecoming: Odysseus finally reaches Ithaca with the help of the goddess Athena. Disguised as a beggar, he reunites with his son Telemachus and devises a plan to defeat the suitors. Penelope, still faithful to her husband, announces that she will choose a new husband once she finishes weaving a shroud for Odysseus' father.
The Contest: Odysseus reveals himself to Penelope and reunites with her. To prove his identity, he participates in a contest to string his old bow and shoot an arrow through twelve axe heads. Odysseus successfully completes the challenge and proceeds to slaughter the suitors with the help of Telemachus and loyal servants.
The Reunion: Odysseus, now recognized by his servants and reunited with Penelope, reveals himself to his father, Laertes. However, the suitors' relatives seek revenge, leading to a conflict that is eventually resolved by the intervention of the gods.
Peace and Resolution: Odysseus reestablishes his authority in Ithaca and restores order. He embarks on a journey to reconcile with the families of the slain suitors, ensuring peace in his kingdom.
"The Odyssey" is not only an adventure-filled tale but also explores themes of heroism, loyalty, cunning, and the struggles of mortal life. It remains one of the most celebrated and influential works in Western literature, showcasing Homer's skill as a storyteller and capturing the essence of the ancient Greek worldview.
"A lively, brief retelling with colorful, action-filled pictures."--Los Angeles Times Book Review ]d 1998/06/14
"This serious retelling of the Odyssey, illustrated with lush watercolors and line drawings, is a modern prose version of Homer's epic tale about Odysseus's return from Troy. A good introduction to Homer and an exciting story."--Reviews from Parent Council ]d 1997/11/01
"A real winner."--Children's Bookwatch
"McCaughrean's fine retelling of Odysseus' wanderings is a heroic tale in the truest sense of the It captures all the drama and bloodcurdling action of the original work while making the story accessible to young people in language that is still vigorous and expressive.... Illustrations by Victor
Ambrus complement McCaughrean's style perfectly, their bold colors and lively portrayals displaying all the energy of the text."--Booklist
"A lively, brief retelling with colorful, action-filled pictures."--Los Angeles Times Book Review !d 1998/06/14
"This serious retelling of the Odyssey, illustrated with lush watercolors and line drawings, is a modern prose version of Homer's epic tale about Odysseus's return from Troy. A good introduction to Homer and an exciting story."--Reviews from Parent Council !d 1997/11/01
"A real winner."--Children's Bookwatch
"McCaughrean's fine retelling of Odysseus' wanderings is a heroic tale in the truest sense of the It captures all the drama and bloodcurdling action of the original work while making the story accessible to young people in language that is still vigorous and expressive.... Illustrations by Victor
Ambrus complement McCaughrean's style perfectly, their bold colors and lively portrayals displaying all the energy of the text."--Booklist
"A lively, brief retelling with colorful, action-filled pictures."--Los Angeles Times Book Review
"This serious retelling of the Odyssey, illustrated with lush watercolors and line drawings, is a modern prose version of Homer's epic tale about Odysseus's return from Troy. A good introduction to Homer and an exciting story."--Reviews from Parent Council
"A real winner."--Children's Bookwatch
"McCaughrean's fine retelling of Odysseus' wanderings is a heroic tale in the truest sense of the It captures all the drama and bloodcurdling action of the original work while making the story accessible to young people in language that is still vigorous and expressive.... Illustrations by Victor Ambrus complement McCaughrean's style perfectly, their bold colors and lively portrayals displaying all the energy of the text."--Booklist
"A lively, brief retelling with colorful, action-filled pictures."--Los Angeles Times Book Review
"This serious retelling of the Odyssey, illustrated with lush watercolors and line drawings, is a modern prose version of Homer's epic tale about Odysseus's return from Troy. A good introduction to Homer and an exciting story."--Reviews from Parent Council
"A real winner."--Children's Bookwatch
"McCaughrean's fine retelling of Odysseus' wanderings is a heroic tale in the truest sense of the It captures all the drama and bloodcurdling action of the original work while making the story accessible to young people in language that is still vigorous and expressive.... Illustrations by Victor Ambrus complement McCaughrean's style perfectly, their bold colors and lively portrayals displaying all the energy of the text."--Booklist
