The Odyssey

Cultural  

1. An ancient Greek epic by Homer that recounts the adventures of Odysseus during his return from the war in Troy to his home in the Greek island of Ithaca. (See Odysseus and Troy under “Mythology and Folklore”; see also Penelope, Circe, and Cyclops.)

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Figuratively, an “odyssey” is any difficult, prolonged journey.

Example Sentences

Greek mythology provides guidance, specifically Homer’s epic poem The Odyssey.

From MarketWatch • May 2, 2026

"Why The Odyssey? It's a story that has fascinated generation after generation for 3,000 years," Nolan said at the event.

From BBC • Apr. 17, 2026

The Odyssey schools will welcome students back Monday.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 31, 2025

There's "The Odyssey," there's "Romeo and Juliet," there's "The Parent Trap" and now there's "Groundhog Day."

From Salon • Oct. 26, 2023

I’d sit in the chair and read to him from various paperbacks I’d bring in, stuff like The Odyssey or One Thousand and One Nights.

From "Never Let Me Go" by Kazuo Ishiguro