The Odyssey by Homer, translated by E.V. Rieu: A book review

In The Odyssey, translated by E.V. Rieu for Penguin Classics, Homer’s epic is reimagined for the modern reader, bringing the adventures of Odysseus and the divine twists of fate right into our laps. This isn’t just an epic—it’s the foundation of storytelling as we know it. Join me as we navigate the islands, confront monsters, and grapple with divine will in a journey that spans centuries and pages alike.

What makes The Odyssey timeless?

When Penguin Books first published E.V. Rieu's translation of The Odyssey in 1946, it marked a groundbreaking moment. A classic Greek epic was accessible to a modern audience, no longer confined to scholars or history buffs. Rieu’s version brought lucidity to Homer’s tale of Odysseus, striking a balance between the poetic grandeur of ancient Greek and the narrative flow that contemporary readers crave.

Odysseus, the quintessential hero, endures nearly two decades of struggle to return to his family after the Trojan War. It is a tale that has transcended generations—so much so that the story structure, the adventure, the missteps, and the inner trials have become the DNA of storytelling as we know it. Rieu’s translation presents a piece of ancient history in prose that feels fresh, making this epic approachable.

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Why is Odysseus’s journey still relevant?

Odysseus’s character resonates because he embodies our endless struggle against fate, against the whims of the world around us, and against our own inner flaws. The Odyssey continuously reminds us of a powerful message: there exists a divine force beyond our control. Ancient Greeks personified this in their pantheon of gods, each with desires and conflicts that impacted mortals like Odysseus. The gods didn’t merely create obstacles; they were agents of destiny and often acted on a whim. Even with Rieu’s straightforward prose, this message is subtly preserved, capturing the reader's attention and grounding the story’s mythical elements in philosophical relevance.

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Is this translation really any different from the others?

What makes Rieu’s translation distinctive is the style. Homer’s original Greek has a rhythm, a musical quality, which could easily become lost in a literal English translation. Yet, Rieu balances poetic beauty with the accessibility of prose. He does so with reverence for the original yet without sacrificing clarity. This is why, for many, Rieu’s translation remains a go-to version. It is a translation that respects its readers, both familiar with Greek classics and new to them, making it possible for anyone to appreciate Homer’s narrative ingenuity.

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A quote to remember?

One quote that stands out from The Odyssey captures Odysseus's resilience:

“I am Odysseus, son of Laertes, known to the world for every kind of craft—my fame has reached the skies.”

This line isn’t just about pride; it is about self-awareness. Odysseus knows himself, his strengths, and his weaknesses.

Which modern books echo the brilliance of The Odyssey?

The Odyssey has set the stage for an entire genre of storytelling where the journey defines the hero. Here are five modern books that channel this timeless narrative structure and psychological depth:

1. Life of Pi by Yann Martel
   Pi Patel’s journey across the ocean, stranded on a lifeboat with a Bengal tiger, mirrors Odysseus’s odyssey. The external challenges are paired with inner transformations, creating a spiritual adventure that feels mythological in its storytelling.

2. The Road by Cormac McCarthy
   McCarthy’s novel follows a father and son on a journey of survival across a post-apocalyptic landscape. The themes of struggle, hope, and the will to persevere draw clear parallels to Homer’s tale.

3. American Gods by Neil Gaiman
   In this modern myth, Gaiman presents gods who live among us in a way not unlike those in The Odyssey. Shadow’s journey is a contemporary odyssey filled with wonder, danger, and self-discovery.

4. Anathem by Neal Stephenson
   Blending philosophical musings and rich world-building, Stephenson’s novel brings a journey across realms of knowledge, mirroring Odysseus’s intellectual and physical adventures.

5. Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell
   Mitchell weaves stories across time and place, echoing The Odyssey’s themes of fate, connection, and the power of the journey. Each character’s story is a fragment of a larger journey, much like Odysseus’s encounter with the unknown.

Which films and shows take inspiration from The Odyssey?

Numerous movies and shows echo the journey and trials seen in The Odyssey. Here are a few that deserve mention:

• O Brother, Where Art Thou? – A loose but unmistakable adaptation of The Odyssey, this Coen Brothers film follows three escaped convicts on a journey through the Deep South.
• The Lord of the Rings series – While Tolkien’s epic fantasy is often compared to The Iliad for its themes of war, The Lord of the Rings trilogy mirrors The Odyssey in its exploration of a hero’s journey home and the internal transformations along the way.
• Cold Mountain – This film portrays a Civil War soldier’s perilous journey home to his love, echoing the trials of Odysseus.
• Mad Max: Fury Road – George Miller’s cinematic masterpiece is a high-octane odyssey in a dystopian landscape, with themes of survival, camaraderie, and redemption.
• Cast Away – The survival journey of a man stranded alone on an island is a modern retelling of the isolation and resilience themes central to The Odyssey.

Why does The Odyssey continue to inspire readers and creators?

Homer’s epic is the blueprint for countless modern stories. We see the echoes of Odysseus in virtually every genre: the flawed hero, the impossible journey, the divine intervention, the inner monologue of self-doubt, and the ultimate homecoming.

E.V. Rieu’s translation invites readers to appreciate this not as a relic of Greek history but as a living story. For every reader who’s ever felt challenged, lost, or determined to overcome, The Odyssey has a message that feels personal.

Frequently Asked Questions about The Odyssey

1. What’s the central theme of The Odyssey?
   The main theme revolves around perseverance, the struggle between fate and free will, and the quest for identity. Odysseus’s journey home is as much about returning to his family as it is about understanding himself.

2. How does E.V. Rieu’s translation differ from other versions?
   Rieu’s translation for Penguin Classics stands out for its readability. His prose maintains the story’s energy without the dense, archaic feel that many translations carry.

3. Is The Odyssey suitable for young readers?
   With guidance, yes. While the themes are mature, they are delivered through storytelling rather than explicit content, making it an educational and enlightening read for young adults interested in classic literature.

4. How relevant is The Odyssey in today’s world?
   Immensely relevant. The themes of resilience, identity, and divine influence resonate across cultures and centuries, influencing modern storytelling and personal growth alike.

How long is E.V. Rieu’s translation of The Odyssey?

The Penguin paperback is 365 pages—a length that might sound daunting, but engaging read.

Written by Tushar Mangl, author of The Avenging Act and Hey Honey Bunch, who writes on personal finance, mental health, literature, and the art of balanced living.

Have you read The Odyssey? Or is it on your reading list? Let’s chat in the comments—share your current reads or your favourite moment from Odysseus’s journey!