THE WORLD BEHIND THE ODYSSEY: A Beginner's Guide to the Trojan War, Greek Gods, Heroes, and Homer's Epic

Product Description

What really happened before Odysseus began his journey?The World Behind the Odyssey takes you beyond the famous voyage home and into the world that shaped one of the greatest stories ever told.From the Trojan War and the fall of Troy to the gods, heroes, monsters, and ancient customs that define Homer's epic, this beginner-friendly guide explains the world behind The Odyssey in clear, accessible language.Inside, you'll discover:• How the Trojan War began and why Helen of Troy became central to the conflict• The stories of Achilles, Hector, Paris, Agamemnon, Menelaus, and Odysseus• Why Odysseus spent years trying to reach Ithaca• The Cyclops, Circe, the Sirens, Scylla and Charybdis, Calypso, and other legendary encounters• The roles of Athena, Poseidon, Zeus, Hermes, and the other Greek gods• Ancient ideas about hospitality, honor, pride, loyalty, fate, and free will• The difference between Greek mythology, epic tradition, and possible historical events• The major characters, gods, places, and events you need to knowWhether you're discovering The Odyssey for the first time or returning to it after years, this book provides the context needed to understand why the story has remained so powerful for thousands of years.Explore the world of ancient Greece. Meet its heroes and gods. Understand the Trojan War. And discover the larger story behind Odysseus's legendary journey. Read more