The Odyssey

Rendered into English prose for the use of those who cannot read the original

Homer and Samuel Butler (751-651 BC)

Approximate level: B2
Length: 130,509 words
Reading time: 10 h 53 min
Chapters: 27
Language: English
On Project Gutenberg since: 1999

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This book is a prose translation of the ancient Greek epic poem attributed to Homer. It recounts the long journey of Odysseus as he attempts to return home after the Trojan War. The language reflects the style of the late nineteenth century, which can be formal and complex for modern readers. You will encounter descriptive passages and long, structured sentences that require careful attention. The themes focus on mythology, perseverance, and the challenges of travel in the ancient world.

120,932 downloads on Project Gutenberg

Subjects

Homer -- Translations into English
Epic poetry, Greek -- Translations into English
Odysseus, King of Ithaca (Mythological character)

Questions about this book

What level of English do I need for this book?

The estimate is B2, based on how common the words are and how long the sentences run. It is an approximation, not a test result. With a translation under every sentence you can start one level earlier than you would with a paper copy.

Is this book really free?

Yes. The text is in the public domain and comes from Project Gutenberg, so it costs nothing. In Lingo7 you open the book and read the first page for free; a subscription unlocks the whole library, the audio and the word practice.

How does reading with a translation work?

Lingo7 shows the original sentence and, right under it, the same sentence in your language. Tap a word to see what it means, hear it, and save it for practice. The translation is made while you read, so it works for any book and for 50 languages.

How long does it take to read?

About 10 h 53 min at a native pace, spread over 27 chapters. In a foreign language plan for more: half an hour a day finishes a book of this size in a few weeks.

Is there an easier version of this book?

Yes, in the Lingo7 app. Next to the original, you can add an adapted version that tells the same story of The Odyssey in simpler words and shorter sentences, at about A2 level. It is made with AI from the public domain text, page by page as you read, and the app marks it as an adaptation. You choose between the two on this page.