The Odyssey-

Well Renowned Greek Story

         The Odyssey is a story of a man named Odysseus and his struggle to return home. It takes place after the Trojan War in Ithaca. Odysseus is a king, and his reign is powerful and solid. He rules Ithaca with his wife and son. The gods become angry at Odysseus because he offends them with his boastful attitude and bold behavior, so they throw his ship off course. Odysseus becomes lost in a foreign land and sets out to find his way back home. Monsters, moral tests, and many other struggles challenge the former king on his long 10 year journey to come back to his family and reclaim his throne.  Meanwhile, Odysseus's lovely wife Penelope and his son Telemachus are in danger. New challengers to the throne attempt to steal Odysseus's position during his absence, and they must protect it at all costs. When Odysseus finally finds his way home, he must prove his identity, steal the throne back, and reclaim his title. 

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Most Famous Translation

         Of all the literary works Robert translated, the Odyssey was by far his favorite and his most famous. Robert absolutely loved the Odyssey and was extremely proud of his translation because he believed it was a wonderful story line and a book that everyone could enjoy. “It's of interest to many people for many reasons throughout their lives” says Marilyn (Robert's wife) when talking about Robert's love for the Odyssey. “It was well known and therefore he thought it would be meaningful to lots of people.” And indeed it was. The easy to understand form of translating Robert uses combined with the engaging story line has turned his translation into one of the most well known translations of Ancient Greek literature in the world.  

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