Issue XXII: Odyssey Special Feature

The Odyssey is one of the oldest tales in the world, one of the first epics, and a prototype for hundreds of stories that followed it over the centuries. Tackling the original may be reserved for high schoolers and adults (and I mean tackling it in an English translation) but the story has much to offer younger readers as well.
 
In this issue of Endpapers, I hope to encourage you to take a first (or second or third) look at Homer’s Odyssey and find realistic ways to integrate it into your own reading and your homeschool curriculum. One great richness that a story like the Odyssey offers is the promise of many re-reads. It may seem unlikely now, if you’re facing down your first daunting reading, but you and your child will almost certainly return to this story. It deserves the chance to be read over and over. So the first rendition that you choose for your child is an introduction only, not a final choice. Still, we must choose well each book our children read.

My library system offers 87 titles with a search for “Homer The Odyssey.” From graphic novels to interpretive essays on the epic, to rewrites from different character perspectives, to film adaptations, to CliffsNotes, and of course a variety of English translations, the ways to access this story are plentiful. But which is best? As I took the time to (finally) read the Odyssey this year, I also checked out a stack of versions for kids from the library, read some, skimmed others, kept many past their due date, and compared illustrations, searching for what makes this epic timeless and how we can help our kids interact with it. Admittedly sampling just a small segment of the options, I assessed six or seven different youth versions of the story and offer a few suggestions for you here. Whatever age your children are this year, they can enjoy the Odyssey. 

The original: I am nearly done reading the translation by Lattimore, primarily because it is the one we had on the shelf at home. The translation by Fagles is supposed to be quite good, and there are other translators as well. If you’re tackling the original (in English), I highly recommend pairing it with the podcast episodes by Close Reads. Each episode covers a few chapters, so you can pace your reading and intersperse the podcast episodes along the way. I was enormously helped by the conversations between these three wise literature lovers, learning more about the book than I ever could have figured out on my own. I am glad to have taken the time (very slowly) to read the text in its entirety.
 
A more advanced retelling: Now’s a good time to tell you: the original telling of the Odyssey is not presented chronologically. Rather, it begins near the end with an introduction to Odysseus’s wife and son in the absence of their family head. Then, it takes the reader to meet up with Odysseus and to see how he finally receives help to reach home. During this section, Odysseus himself retells the first part of his journeyings to the islanders who are assisting him. After this interlude of flashback, we return to his current trip home where he eventually is reunited with his family. The Children’s Homer by Padraic Colum takes this approach, telling the story in roughly the same sequence and structure as Homer’s original. I greatly appreciated another of Colum’s books, The Golden Fleece and the Heroes Who Lived Before Achilles, which I read to my children this winter. This author’s style has a pleasantly ancient feel to it, and is accompanied by beautiful line drawings.
 
A single chapter book for developing readers: The version by Geraldine McCaughrean is well organized. It does take a chronological approach, but that’s to be found in nearly any version for children. This is a short version and includes all the major episodes in Odysseus’s journey. A decent introduction, if you want something very brief.
 
A simple version for young readers: My children (ages 5 and 10 this year) listened to the audio version of Mary Pope Osborne’s Tales from the Odyssey. The story presents the epic of Odysseus as a series of short chapter books, which provide an excellent way for growing readers to read the story on their own. The audio collection we checked out (yes, we still use old-school cd’s) was a compilation of all six books and was an engaging listen! I recommend either the book series, or the audio set. This version even starts with a brief description of the Trojan War, which sets the stage quite helpfully. 
 
A vivid picture book for family reading: The Wanderings of Odysseus by Rosemary Sutcliff is a classic for home educating families. It does arrange the story chronologically, but places a chapter midway through the book about Odysseus’s son, Telemachus, and his quest to locate his father. I like the organization of this one. It’s also accompanied by beautiful art by Alan Lee, though be aware: some of the illustrations include partially-nude women. Consider previewing for your children first.
 
A few versions I did not like:
 
The Legend of Odysseus by Peter Connelly includes excessively graphic illustrations of nude goddesses. While the illustrations by Alan Lee, mentioned above, show some female nudity, it is subtle. The illustrations in this version are quite gross.
 
The Odyssey by Gillain Cross intrigued me at first, with its simple text and eye-catching illustrations. But after reviewing some versions that were so much better, I realized how inadequate this rendition was. Spare yourself and select a tried and true version, rather than a flashy new publication.
 
I hope you’re inspired to find the right version of Homer’s Odyssey for you and your family! Let me know if there’s a version you love that I’ve overlooked. Happy reading!