The Odyssey by Homer

The Odyssey is one of two major ancient Greek epic poems attributed to Homer. It is fundamental to the modern Western canon, and is the second oldest extant work of Western literature. The poem mainly focuses on the Greek hero Odysseus (known as Ulysses in Roman myths) and his journey home after the fall of Troy. It takes Odysseus ten years to reach Ithaca after the ten-year Trojan War. Many scholars believe that the original poem was composed in an oral tradition by an aoidos (epic poet/singer), perhaps a rhapsode (professional performer), and was more likely intended to be heard than read.