The Odyssey reading guide: editions, translations and retellings

If your social feeds have suddenly become full of gods, monsters and Trojan horses, you're not imagining it. Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey has landed in cinemas, and Greek mythology is having a major moment.

While the film has put The Odyssey back in the spotlight, it is truly one of the earliest and greatest works of literature. The epic tale follows the hero Odysseus as he embarks on a 20-year journey home to Ithaca after the Trojan War. Along the way, he must overcome mythical creatures, battle the wrath of the gods and face seemingly impossible odds to reunite with his wife, Penelope.

Start with the original story

If the film has inspired you to discover (or revisit) the source material, we've got something to suit every reader, from beautiful collector's editions to accessible modern translations.

The Odyssey A New Translation by Daniel Mendelsohn With his Odyssey, best-selling author and classicist Daniel Mendelsohn has created a momentous new work, hailed by classicists and poets alike.	The Iliad Homer The Iliad is the first and the greatest literary achievement of Greek civilisation - an epic poem without rival in the literature of the world, and the cornerstone of Western culture.	Odyssey Stephen Fry The epic final chapter to Stephen Fry's outstanding retellings of the Greek Myths

Introduce The Odyssey to young advertures

The Epically Awesome Odyssey, as told by Nanny Piggins R.A. Spratt Finally, Nanny Piggins sets the record straight and reveals what really happened 3,000 years ago on the most epically awesome journey of all time – The Odyssey!	The Odyssey A Modern Retelling Liv Albert Littered with historical facts, maps, and character profiles, Liv Albert brings all of her knowledge and expertise to this future classic Take a look inside!

Still got the Greek myth itch?

If one trip across the Aegean just isn't enough, here are a few more books to keep the adventure going.

For mythology lovers...

Stephen Fry's Greek Myths

One of the most imaginative minds alive retells the greatest stories in history, Stephen Fry's retellings bring the gods, heroes and Trojan War vividly to life.

For historical fiction fans...

Pat Barker's Trojan Women trilogy

A powerful reimagining of the Trojan War through the eyes of the women history left behind.

For forgotten heroines...

Rosie Hewlett's Retellings

Rich, character-driven novels that give voice to some of mythology's most compelling women.

For mythology lovers who want to dig deeper...

Charlotte Higgins' Red Thread

A thrillingly original, labyrinthine journey through myth, art, literature, history, archaeology and memoir, by the Baillie Gifford-shortlisted author.

For the next generation of demigods...

Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson and the Olympians series

Percy Jackson: half boy, half god, all hero. This series is the perfect introduction to Greek mythology for younger readers.

For fans of epic romance...

Jennifer Saint's This Immortal Heart

An epic story of love and war as two opposing deities find themselves drawn together against the odds.

Keep the conversation going with the Lit Witches Podcast!

If you're still in the mood for myths, don't miss the latest episode of Lit Witches. The team dives into all things The Odyssey, from their first encounters with Homer's epic to their honest thoughts on Christopher Nolan's new film adaptation. Expect Greek mythology chat, translation talk, cinematic hot takes and one very important question: has cinema etiquette been lost to the gods?