Not too long ago Homer’s Odyssey was voted by a BBC News poll as the most important story of all time from a finalist of 100 stories that most shaped the world. When you consider that Homer is known as the father of Western Literature, the result should come as no surprise. Homer’s Odyssey is an epic poem that has had a profound impact on the history of literature. The poem is a sequel to the Iliad and tells the story of Odysseus, a Greek hero who embarks on a long journey home after the Trojan War. The Odyssey is a work of art that has been studied and admired for centuries, and its influence can be seen in many aspects of modern culture.

The Odyssey is a masterpiece of ancient Greek literature that has stood the test of time. The poem is a testament to the power of storytelling and the human imagination. It is a work that has inspired countless writers, poets, and artists throughout history. One of the most important aspects of the Odyssey is its impact on the history of literature. The poem is a prime example of epic poetry, a genre that has been influential in literature for centuries. The poem is the story of Odysseus, king of Ithaca, who wanders for 10 years trying to get home after the Trojan War. The poem is divided into 24 books and covers only the final six weeks of Odysseus’s journey.

The Odyssey is a fundamental work in the modern Western canon, being the oldest extant piece of Western literature, second to the Iliad. It is a sequel to the Iliad, the other Homeric epic. The Odyssey is a story of adventure, heroism, and the human condition. It is a tale of a man’s journey home, his struggles, and his triumphs.

The poem is a rich source of information about ancient Greek culture, religion, and mythology. It provides a glimpse into the lives of the ancient Greeks, their beliefs, and their values. The Odyssey is also a work of art, with its vivid descriptions, its use of metaphor and simile, and its poetic language.

The Odyssey has had a profound impact on Western literature and culture. It has inspired countless works of art, literature, and music. The poem has been translated into many languages and has been adapted into various forms, including plays, films, and television series. The Odyssey has also influenced the development of the novel as a literary form.

The Odyssey has had a profound impact on Western literature and culture. It has inspired countless works of art, literature, and music. The poem has been translated into many languages and has been adapted into various forms, including plays, films, and television series. The Odyssey has also influenced the development of the novel as a literary form.

One of the most significant ways in which The Odyssey has influenced modern literature is through its use of the hero’s journey. The hero’s journey is a narrative structure that has been used in countless works of literature, film, and television. It involves a protagonist who goes on a journey, faces challenges, and ultimately returns home transformed. The Odyssey is one of the earliest examples of the hero’s journey, and its influence can be seen in works such as J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings and George Lucas’s Star Wars.

The Odyssey has also had a significant impact on popular culture. The poem has been referenced in countless films, television shows, and books. For example, the Coen Brothers’ film O Brother, Where Art Thou? is a modern retelling of The Odyssey set in Depression-era Mississippi. The poem has also been referenced in popular music, with artists such as Bob Dylan, Led Zeppelin, and Pink Floyd all drawing inspiration from The Odyssey.

In conclusion, The Odyssey has had a profound impact on modern literature and culture. Its influence can be seen in countless works of literature, film, and television, and it has inspired generations of writers, artists, and musicians. The poem’s use of the hero’s journey has become a staple of modern storytelling, and its influence will continue to be felt for generations to come.

The epic story of Odysseus returning home from the Trojan war is more important than many might realize and hopefully with the results of the BBC poll, more people will take an interest in finding out what makes this story so special. To help you learn more we have included various resources to learn more about the Odyssey as well as links to the 2-part 1997 mini-series produced by Francis Ford Coppola that won 2 Emmy Awards.

Go here to see the full list of BBC’s Top 100 Stories that Shaped the World.