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!

Yes, enjoying the descriptions of the feasting! I have the paperback Emily Wilson and when it first arrived I thought that there was something wrong with it as the page edges were all rough - I returned it, and then realised that they were the
”tactile deckle edges” that are a special feature of this edition!😕

Ooh, we finish on a cliff hanger this month! I'm enjoying the pace of 2 books per month, it seems very manageable.

I am finding the hardest thing is all of the names. Not so much the main characters but every few lines seem to reference a new place or several new people. I'm trying to let it flow over me and just focus on the main plot.

Poor Penelope does seem to have had a rough time for no reason. I'm glad I know there's a happier ending for her!

I thought Menelaus was surprisingly likeable here, and I wouldn't mind a small supply of some of the drug Helen uses to cheer everyone up.

I really enjoyed these two books. We're hearing lots about how Xenia (guest-friendship ) should be done , as a big contrast to the situation in Ithaca. And being left on a cliff hanger about whether the suitors will kill Telemachus .
Menelaus' story about how he has to capture Proteus the sea god in order to get home is lovely. And the little bizarre references to Agamemnon ordering a poet to protect her but Aegisthus took him to an island and left him there. Why a poet? Seems very odd! (3:265). Makes me wonder where this snippet comes from, it must be some earlier story. Alice Oswald uses this and the sea god in her poem Nobody which is based on the Odyssey.

I didn't remember how much there was in these two books. Really enjoying the Wilson translation too.

@Frannyisreading I also fancy the drugs!
And whoever mentioned about Helen's character, it depends on the translation as in the Fagles she calls herself a "shameless whore"!

@ShackletonSailingSouth I also noticed the poet and wondered what the heck that was about! I'd love to know more.
I need to reread to think about Helen's portrayal. At one point I thought she was trying to dodge responsibility but I can't remember the line now.

@EineReiseDurchDieZeit is there a date for discussing books 5&6?

Yes! I’m sorry I forgot to post it

Saturday 28th

It’s Homer day and I haven’t read my pages. Please be gentle with me. I’m suffering from some sort of exhaustion and I’ve been going to bed really early and falling asleep even if I put something on to listen to. Where’s everyone up to?!

Sorry to hear you're not feeling well. Saturday's not a great day for me, tend to be out and about but I did read ahead and will pop back in later or tomorrow with some thoughts.
Rest and take care of yourself.

I haven’t either @EineReiseDurchDieZeitif that’s any consolation. Too many plates in the air. I may have to let this one crash to the floor.

Sorry to hear you’re poorly @EineReiseDurchDieZeit.

That was an action packed couple of chapters, good to meet Odysseus - finally - and what a way to start his return home. The storm was really atmospheric. I’m on the old Rieu translation so would be interested to see how more modern versions look.

An interesting speech of Calypso too regarding the double standards in gods having relationships with humans, and how female deity/human men pairings tend to be punished while male gods get away with much more.

I read it today. Agree that is was a great couple of chapters and good to finally meet Odysseus. it was interesting to meet Ino, a minor sea nymph. I liked the notes of Emily Wilson's translation where she points it that a couple of the Greek words used in the text are cognates if Calypso, so even when he leaves her, her presence continues. And I did raise an eyebrow that while Odysseus is missing Penelope and wanting to get back to her, it's not quite enough to stop him enjoying a final night of pleasure with Calypso. And yes @RomanMum I liked Calypso pointing out the double standards.

We get a bit more courtly life in book 6 and Odysseus grabbing a branch to cover himswlf made me chuckle. It seemed a bit of a convoluted way to meet the king but I guess he's now well dressed.

I noticed in the Wilson translation, she uses the word deathless to describe the gods rather than immortal but maybe they're different words. We also had Homer's "wine-dark sea" apoearing again. This always interests me, I believe ancient Greek didn't resist have a word for blue.

Sorry you’re not well @EineReiseDurchDieZeit , hope you feel better soon.

These two books were more interesting than the earlier ones - this is where it starts to get fun! I always get Calypso and Circe mixed up so I was surprised at how nice Calypso was - she not only lets Odysseus go but helps him on his way. She gets a raw deal and Odysseus gets to have his cake and eat it when it comes to his wife and his mistress - irritating!

I liked Book 6, with its focus on the teenage princess and her friends, and then the amusing interaction with the branch-holding Odysseus. I picture Nausicaa as a bit like Cher from Clueless - a bit of a rich-girl airhead (chilling out in her messy room, and then going on a trip to the ancient equivalent of the spa 😄), but with more to her than that, especially her willingness to help a stranger in need.

These are two of my favourite books in the Odyssey and I really enjoyed the Wilson translation of them. I loved the descriptions of Calypso's island in book 5 and the part where Odysseus takes the chair Hermes has just vacated. And the description of Hermes flying like a seabird in his gold winged sandals.
In book 6 it's lovely to meet Nausicaa and get yet another version of xenia (guest- friendship). As @dupainduvindufromage pointed out Nausicaa is young - in ancient Greece girls got married around 12 or 13 so she could be around that age. It's kind of bizarre that the premise of her trip out is to wash clothes for her marriage, when a husband hasn't yet been found. And I think the passage towards the end - where Nausicaa thinks that she can't take Odysseus into town herself as people would shame her - is probably meant to show how virtuous she is. I've always found it funny how Odysseus ' hair is described as like a hyacinth! And finally, it is odd how Nausicaa tells him to go to Queen Arete instead of the King.

Hope you're feeling better@EineReiseDurchDieZeit

I'm really enjoying the Wilson translation and everyone's comments here. If you haven't read it already, I highly recommend reading Wilson's introductions; it's fascinating and it's helped me get more out of the text itself.

Next Odyssey day will be 25th April - I hope to be up to date by then. Thanks !

Hi what book will you be up to by the 25th April. I have finally caved and bought a copy on audible. Have listened to the introduction and am about to start the text! I hope to join you at the end of the month.

Books 7 and 8 so up to book 9

Perfect, than you very much @EineReiseDurchDieZeit I shall read up to book 9 and report back for discussion. 😃