MN Readalong : Homer’s The Odyssey in 2026

[EineReiseDurchDieZeit]

Proposing 2 chapters a month so for January

1. Athene Visits Telemachus
2. The Debate In Ithaca

Convening at the end of each month

Everyone welcome!

Which translation are you reading?

Arrrgh let me check !

E.V. Rieu and DCH Rieu (Revised)

Oh I wanted to read this but worried I wouldn't manage it! Some accountability would help. Yes please, I'd love to join.

Ooh, I've never been on one of these threads, but I wouldn't mind re-reading this, if I may join? I fell in love with Athena, and whenever I see a black ship it's always "swift" in my mind. I'll have a look later which version I have.

I heard great things about Emily Wilson's translation. Could people read different editions or would that not work?

I’m ok with everyone reading the translation they’ve got. Mine is Penguin classics.

Everyone welcome!

First 2 chapters by 31st Jan

I’m in. Mine is the penguin clothbound classics edition translated by the two Rieus.

This is mine, so we just need to be clear about chapter numbers since chapter titles might differ slightly.

@Frannyisreading I have been meaning to buy the Emily Wilson so will prob get that one!

I see, yes it is different to mine @dudsville- my first chapter is 14 pages and so is the next. How do we resolve this?

I can just aim to keep up with the chapter numbers. I can see by the titles of yours how they relate to mine, my translator is just a little more chitchatty! If I recall it correctly, mine is quite repetitive, maybe in the style of old verbal tellings, so I may be able to speed read some sections!

Ooo ! This popped up in "Active" !

Any audio versions recommended ? Have just finished Stephen Fry's "Troy", so it's the right time.

Yes please!

@SerendipityJanei have the Emily Wilson on audio, recommend. Read by Clare Danes.

Oooh is it? Never encountered Clare Danes in a thing I didn’t like!

How very interesting! I’m keen!

Ooh I love Homer's Odyssey. I studied it for both my Leaving Certificate (I'm Irish) and my degree. Can't WAIT for the Christopher Nolan film to come out!

I probably won't join the read along as I'm just starting something else but commenting to place mark in case I change my mind.

Enjoy it! And listen to Natalie Haynes Stands up for The Odyssey podcast for a 30 mins speed-retelling

I'm in! Although the chapters may vary in length, the subject matter should be the same as the original is very episodic. We did chapter 4 I think at school for Greek GCSE about a hundred year's ago. I may buy Emily Wilson.

I’m in (but watching comments on the translation to help me decide which one).

Thank you @EineReiseDurchDieZeit ! Checking in 😊

Hi there, I'd like to join in too please - read bits (can't remember which!) of the Odyssey almost in archaic times when I was doing Ancient Greek O and A level at school. Think I still have my trusty Penguin translation, currently inaccessible in the bookcase behind the Christmas tree. Should be liberated in time for the read along.

Very much enjoyed Madeline MIller's Circe, and seeing the Odyssey's crew and captain's visit from her point of view.

This is great. I’m in. Thank you @EineReiseDurchDieZeit

ps interesting username , do you really?

I’m in. I have the Emily Wilson both in text and audio. Will be a reread for me (but different translation- think I read Fagles before) so will enjoy the chat about it.