125 Odyssey Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

Looking for the Odyssey essay examples and writing tips? This article contains the Odyssey literary analysis how-to guide, prompts, title ideas, outlining tips, and examples.

Homer’s Odyssey remains one of the most impressive masterpieces of the Greek literature. It’s not surprising that students often are assigned to write an essay on this poem.

💡 The Odyssey Essay: Themes & Ideas

Brainstorm the ideas you’re willing to discuss in the paper and make a list of all the key points. Look through the essay samples represented below for inspiration or check the list of the Odyssey themes and ideas below.

• Symbolism in the Odyssey. What do Odysseus struggles symbolize? How can you compare the Odysseus trials and adventures to our lives? Can we say that our lives are similar to the hero’s journey when we’re on the way to achieve something we desire.
• Hospitality theme in the Odyssey. How do people welcome strangers? Explore the ways Odysseus was welcomed when he returned home and when he was welcomed by the king and queen.
• Theme of loyalty in the Odyssey.Think, why loyalty is important. Explain why Penelope and Telemachus stayed loyal to Odysseus even when they received the message about his death.
• Theme of revenge in the Odyssey. Why does the theme of vengeance is important in the poem? Analyze it from the point of view of Odysseus and Poseidon. You can also compare and contrast vengeance in “Odysseus” and Christian teachings. Think if it is acceptable to kill in the name of vengeance.
• The role of women in the Odyssey. Discuss how does the female characters influence the plot of the story. What roles do they play in Telemachus and Odysseus journeys?

❗ The Odyssey Thesis Statements

A thesis statement is the main point of your paper summarized in one sentence. It usually appears in the introductory paragraph of the text.

Below you’ll find a list of the Odyssey thesis statements that you might want to use for inspiration.

• There are parallels between the Odyssey and Near Eastern mythology, especially the Epic of Gilgamesh.
• The central themes of the Odyssey are wandering and homecoming.
• Women in the Odyssey are presented as inferior to men; even goddesses are described as angry and short-sighted.
• The key symbols in the Odyssey are the bow, the sea, and the shroud.

🎣 Hooks for The Odyssey Essay

When writing your paper introduction, keep in mind that you have to engage your reader and make them want to read the entire text. Avoid phrases like “In this essay I’m going to discuss…” at the beginning of the paper.

A good idea is to start your Odyssey essay with an interesting fact about the epic poem or a quote. For instance, if you’re planning to focus on Odysseus as an epic hero, you can use a quote about heroic qualities of a person.

Below you’ll find a list of the Odyssey hook ideas.

• “A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.” (Joseph Campbell)
• “Show me a hero and I’ll write you a tragedy.” (F. Scott Fitzgerald)
• “Nobody – that’s my name. Nobody — so my mother and father call me, all my friends.” (the Odyssey)

📜 Odyssey Essay: How to Write

Regardless of what Odyssey essay topic you will choose, you should tell your readers about the background and event developments of the poem.

Analyze the content and provide connections between the events or/and characters and your essay key idea. Make sure that all the paragraphs are logically connected.

When writing the Odyssey essay conclusion, make it bright and clear. Restate the thesis statement and add your personal impressions on the poem.

After you finish your paper read it again carefully and add some touches you might miss during the writing. Proofread the essay and get rid of all grammar, style and spelling mistakes. Did you know that some professors can cut out up to 20% of grade because of errors?

Still not sure how to complete your essay on Homer’s Odyssey and get the best grade? Check IvyPanda’s essay examples below, written by professionals for your convenience!

📚 The Odyssey Research Paper Titles

1. The Role of Women in the Odyssey and Ancient Greece.
   Describe the most notable women in the epic. How do they aid/deter Odysseus’ journey? Analyze their purpose in the story. What does Homer’s portrayal of femininity tell us about the treatment of women in Ancient Greece?
2. Exploring the Ideas of Loyalty Through Odysseus’ Crew.
   Mention what we know about Odysseus’ crew and how he leads them. Analyze the incidents with Circe, Elpenor’s death and burial Talk about the Sirens, Scylla and Charybdis, and the Cyclops. Why does Odysseus’ crew stop listening to him? How are they punished for it?
3. How Does Homer Celebrate Nostos in the Odyssey?
   What is nostos? How is it portrayed in The Odyssey? Explain why coming home is the most important thing to Odysseus. Reflect on his encounter with Achilles in the Underworld. What is Homer trying to teach us with that brief scene?
4. The Relationship Between Odysseus and Athena in the Odyssey.
   Describe both characters separately. Why does Athena aid Odysseus? In what ways does Odysseus repay the goddess for her assistance? Summarize the importance of being favorable to the gods.
5. The Difference in Portrayals of Violence in the Odyssey.
   Examine what role violence plays in Ancient Greek culture – i.e., Athena is the goddess of war. Mention violent incidents with monsters such as the Cyclops and Laestrygones. Analyze the slaughter of the suitors and the torture of the unfaithful servants. What is the difference between Odysseus’ violence and the violence done to him?
6. The Odyssey’s Portrayal of Fatherhood and Father-Son Relationships.
   Look at the relationships between Telemachus and Odysseus, Polyphemus and Poseidon, Odysseus and Laertes, Orestes and Agamemnon. What are the responsibilities of the father in each of these cases? What are the sons’ responsibilities? How are father-son relationships characterized in the epic?
7. What Stands in the Way of Odysseus’ Return Home?
   Examine all of the trials that Odysseus had to go through. Why is it that the sea is never on his side? What obstacles keep extending his journey? Mention Poseidon and Polyphemus, Circe, Aeolus, and Helios, and their impact on Odysseus.
8. How Does Hospitality in the Odyssey Differentiate Monster From Man?
   Explain the importance of xenia in Ancient Greece. Provide good examples of hospitality from the epic, such as those of Telemachus and Penelope, kings Mentes and Nestor, and Circe. Contrast them against the bad instances, such as the Cyclops and the suitors. What does hospitality tell us about a person’s character?
9. Homer’s Representation of Justice in the Odyssey.
   What lesson is Homer trying to teach his audience about justice and gods? Analyze Odysseus’ struggle against the suitors and the omens around it. Explore the incident with Poseidon and the Phaecians and the role of divine prophecy. How are we to understand what is just in The Odyssey’s world?
10. The Odyssey: A Subversion of the Hero’s Journey.
    How are the events of The Odyssey different from a typical epic poem? How are they similar? Analyze Odysseus’ character and the changes he goes through. Examine the idea of returning home rather than leaving to set out on an adventure. Thanks for reading! If you haven’t found what to write about, use our topic generator and get more original ideas. For more information about The Odyssey, check the links below.

🏆 The Odyssey Essay Examples

1. Father-Son Relationship in The Odyssey by Homer
   In Odyssey therefore, it is expected that the relationship of Odysseus and Telemachus is as admiring as it is; the father is proud of his son, who is courageous and the son is proud of […]
2. Examples of Hospitality in The Odyssey by Homer
   While the tale has various mythical and magical motifs in the form of Gods, Goddesses, nymphs, witches, and magic; one of the most interesting and a rather unusual aspect of the story was the astounding […]
3. Deception Role in “The Odyssey” by Homer
   He also pretended to be a beggar to test the loyalty of others and to devise his plan of overthrowing the other suitors.
4. Roles of Women in “The Odyssey” by Homer
   Of course, she is not a mortal woman as she is a nymph and is beyond the laws of human society. Of course, the woman is meant to be devoted to her husband and her […]
5. Disguise in “The Odyssey”: Character Development & Athena’s Impact
   Athena also had to pour a sea fog around Odysseus to protect him, and then she assumed the shape of a little girl and showed him the way to the palace.
6. Homer’s “The Iliad” and “The Odyssey”: Main Themes
   The Iliad and the Odyssey are anti-war poems, even though the actions in the stories are mainly conflict-oriented. They are anti-conflict because the aftermath of the fights is tragic, and every individual always engaged in […]
7. The Ghosts in Homer’s The Odyssey
   I find the ghost one of my favorite because of the hope and information he gives Odysseus.”The ghost reveals to Odysseus that Poseidon was busy punishing and killing the Achaeans “. From the encounter with […]
8. Role of Fate and Divine Intervention in Oedipus and The Odyssey
   This is because while the gods are obviously responsible for choosing the path that one’s life is to take, it still takes the free will of the involved person to follow that path.
9. “The Odyssey” by Homer
   Throughout the story, there is a constant struggle of the growing Telemachus to imitate the actions of his father and then eventually become like him that he comes to an end of his journey.
10. Women in Literature: Oedipus the King and The Odyssey
    Two major works of literature, ‘Oedipus the king’ and ‘The Odyssey’, provide some of the best examples of how the role of female characters is portrayed in different ways and how these women influence the […]
11. Odysseus as Husband
    Being a good father and an excellent husband, Odysseus did everything he could to return home, however, there were a number of barriers, however, having returned home Odysseus killed all people who wanted evil to […]
12. The Meaning and Impact of the Closing Book of The Odyssey
    Critics such as William Merritt Sale argue that Homer’s purpose in creating the mythic poem of The Odyssey was to represent the inherent struggle of the human condition when faced with the choice between the […]
13. Varying Moral Worlds in The Odyssey and Aeneid
    Some of the issues that differ between the two societies, as highlighted in the two poems, include marital love, representation of the underworld, the idea of fate, and pride/hubris. It is believed that the intention […]
14. Women in The Odyssey and The Epic of Gilgamesh
    In particular, the women’s power in the story was shown in their ability to influence significantly men, who were depicted as the wisest and most powerful beings.
15. Gender Role Expectations in “The Odyssey” by Homer
    The reason is that many behaviors of these female characters are masculine in their nature, and they need to be further discussed with reference to examples.
16. The Symbol of Weaving in the Poem “The Odyssey”
    The Penelope image is associated with the goddess of the house, the keeper of the hearth, and all households. During his wanderings, the goddess is the patroness of Odysseus.
17. Divine Comedy and The Odyssey as Epics
    It is a poem about the supernatural more than about a hero, which is the first difference between the current poem and ‘The Odyssey’.’Divine Comedy’ has 14, 233 lines, the number that is almost equal […]
18. Characters in The Odyssey: Athena, Poseidon, and Polyphemus
    In the epic poem The Odyssey by Homer, Odysseus encounters Athena, Poseidon and Polyphemus are surrounded by unique myths and occupy a distinct place in Odysseus’ journey.
19. Importance of the Book “The Odyssey” by Homer
    It is a book with a story that has lasted for ages due to its major themes such as the relation between father and son, the role of women, the significance of hospitality and the […]
20. The Plays “The Iliad,” “The Odyssey,” and “Agamemnon”: Understanding of Leadership
    Finally, the story of Agamemnon told in The Iliad and Agamemnon taught us that a capable leader must remain humble and self-aware.
21. Sophocles II and The Odyssey: Book Analysis
    Penelope’s hand is one of the allusions in The Odyssey that offers the reader a comprehensive picture of who Odysseus was and how powerful he was.
22. Culture of Ancient Greece in The Odyssey by Homer
    The Odyssey is one of the oldest and most well-known epics in the world. This can be attributed to Homer’s ability to describe the culture and life of the people of the ancient era with […]
23. The Poems “The Song of Roland,” “The Epic of Gilgamesh,” and “The Odyssey”
    The emphasis on bravery and dignity in Roland represents a stark contrast to the characters of Odysseus and Gilgamesh. Therefore, Roland as a character is vital in the evolution of heroic characters in epic narratives.
24. “The Odyssey” by Homer as a Vehicle for Creative Works
    One of the characters that can be interesting to examine in a more broad way is Telemachus. It works well to tie in a sense of loss and longing for a father with Telemachus, allowing […]
25. Community Conflict in The Odyssey
    The Iliad heroes, Diomedes and Glaucus, provide a glimpse into the constructs of community and conflict. Such a story is that of Glaucus and Diomedes who recognized their ancestors as heroes, resulting in mutual respect […]
26. Deception in King Lear, The Odyssey and Gilgamesh
    The forms of deception in the book seem to come effortlessly to Odysseus, and the stories he tells throughout the book serve to protect him and his family.
27. The Oldest Epics of Ramayana and The Odyssey
    Thus, the main similarity is the narrative about the difficulties of the protagonists, and the difference is the presence of magical characteristics.

👍 The Odyssey Essay Topics

1. Heroism and the Spirit of Adventure: The Odyssey and Gilgamesh Interpretation
   In fact, the ancient epic is famous nowadays mainly due to the fact that some of the works are considered as the first official mentioning of a hero.
2. The Role of Women in Great Epic Works: “The Odyssey” and “Gilgamesh”
   To summarize the influence of both women on Gilgamesh, it is possible to cite Kelley to describe Gilgamesh’s advice to him during one of the toughest period of the epic: When the gods created man, […]
3. The Power of “The Iliad” and “The Odyssey” Nowadays
   The significance of Iliad and Odyssey in the modern world can be explained by the fact that they are the first ancient epics, which have survived to this day.
4. Plot Analysis of Homer’s The Odyssey
   Through the meeting of Telemachus with Menelaus, the author emphasizes the significance of hospitality as a primary value and develops such features and discretion, leadership, and heroism of the son of Odysseus.
5. The Relevance of the Book “The Odyssey”
   The book’s central motif is the adventurous journey, the complete transformation of the king of Ithaca from the Trojan battle.
6. Manhood in Homer’s Poem The Odyssey
   From the point of view of the author of the poem, the heroism of Odysseus lies in the fact that he remains faithful to his homeland, the island of Ithaca, nothing scares him in achieving […]
7. “The Odyssey” by Homer and Its Legacy: A Romantic Vision of the State
   Odysseus is known all over the world as one of the most outstanding models of leadership anthemed in the literature of the ancient world.
8. The Odyssey by Homer: Comprehensive Analysis of the Character of Penelope
   Penelope is believed to be the faithful wife of Ulysses and she stood really strong in his absence. She had a lot of persistence and composure, her image had been overshadowed because of Ulysses, and […]
9. “Bhagavad-Gita”, “The Odyssey” and “The Epic of Gilgamesh”: Contrast and Comparison
   The sole aim of all the religions is to make the people realize the value of life and to make the most of the same but doing holy acts and by not indulging in undesirable […]
10. Themes in Books VIII-XI of Homer’s “The Odyssey”
    For instance, Retief and Cilliers argue that Book XI of The Odyssey largely shaped the perception of Hades, or the Greek land of the dead, as well as of the Ancient views on death and […]
11. The 11 Book of Homer’s “The Odyssey”
    The 11th book of the Odyssey tells about the trip of Odysseus to the Underworld. He expresses pity that Odysseus is also in the land of the dead and tells about his journey in Hades […]
12. An Exemplary Hero: Homer’s “The Odyssey”
    The masterpiece describes the life of Odysseus and his journey especially after the infamous fall of Troy. One outstanding fact about Odysseus is that he is the main hero of the epic.
13. Comparative Literature: “The Odyssey” and “The Aeneid”
    The Odyssey and The Aeneid are some of the major epics created by the western civilizations. On balance, it is possible to state that the two epics share a lot of features as Virgil’s work […]
14. “The Odyssey” by Homer Discussion
    With this knowledge, it is necessary to examine the role played by the other characters in the poem. On the other hand, Penelope knows that she is expected to remain faithful to her husband.
15. Telemachus Journey From Boyhood to Hero: Homer’s The Odyssey
    As described by Arnold van Gennep in “The rites of Passage,” the concept of the rites of passage is a ritual event used to signify the process of transition of a person from one social […]
16. ‘Homer’s The Odyssey’ by Bernhard Frank Literature Analysis
    Bernhard makes use of clear words and concrete examples as well as numerous quotes to articulate his belief that the cause and sequence of the events in this book were created on purpose by Homer […]
17. Monstrous and Human Relationship in “The Odyssey”
    In each stage of the adventure readers are introduced to an ever increasing similarity between what is monstrous and what is man to the point that the line between the two blurs resulting in actions […]
18. “The Odyssey”: The Relationship Between the Monstrous and the Human
    When looking at the relationship between the monstrous and the human in Odyssey, it can be seen that monsters represent, in many instances, the darker side of humanity.
19. The Expression of Sarcasm in The Odyssey
    The suitors laughed and teased Telemachos of his struggles to defend the beggar. Odysseus simply examines the bow and one of the suitors mocks him saying he is a connoisseur.
20. The Comparison of Gilgamesh and Odysseus
    This paper is aimed at discussing the journeys undertaken by the main characters; in particular one should focus on their motives of the protagonists and the way in which both Gilgamesh and Odysseus were transformed […]
21. Greek Culture in Homer’s “The Odyssey”
    Therefore, a critical analysis of the story enlightens the contemporary society on the aspect of hospitality in relation to the people of Greece.
22. The Role of Hospitality in the Homeric World-Odyssey
    None the less the Homeric world gives a glimpse of the noble men and women who live within that society, they appreciate and acknowledge the little favors and hospitality extended to them and in some […]
23. Human Potential in Rig Veda, Genesis and Homer’s The Odyssey
    Human beings need to meditate from time to time to find out specific modes of behaviour they need to observe. The value of hard work is used to explain how human beings need to be […]
24. Greek/Roman Humanities: Epic of Gilgamesh and The Odyssey
    The earliest works of fiction included the work of fiction the Epic of Gilgamesh that dates from the beginnings of civilization in Mesopotamia and Homer’s Odyssey, greatest ancient works of literature attributed to Homer.
25. Analysis of Job’s and Odysseus
    The strong character traits of the main characters Odyssey and Job in the epic The Odyssey and The Story of Job help develop their plots from the beginning to the rise of conflict and their […]
26. Gods and Humans in “The Odyssey” by Homer
    For instance, the journey of Odysseus back to Ithaca feature him as an important figure to Calypso therefore helping in building up the story as his return remains the center of all agony that begets […]
27. The Concept of Moral Principles in Literature Works
    He formulated the trick of the great wooden horse to give victory to the Greeks. The prince was also supposed to strike a balance of generosity to the citizens.
28. The Journey to the Land of the Dead: Homer’s “The Odyssey”
    Homer is regarded as a legendary Greek due to his great works of literature such as “The journey to the Land of the Dead”.

🧑🏿‍🤝‍🧑🏽 The Odyssey Essay Topics on Characters

1. How Did Telemachus Grow and Develop Throughout the Odyssey?
2. Xenia in the Odyssey and What It Tells Us About the Hospitality Customs in Ancient Greece
3. A Comparison of Monsters and People in the Odyssey
4. A Comparison of the Themes of Kleos and Nostos in the Odyssey
5. Athena and Poseidon – What Was the Gods’ Influence on Odysseus’ Journey?
6. An Analysis of the Greek Expectations of Heroism Through Odysseus
7. Homer’s Commentary on Hubris Through His Criticism of Kleos in the Odyssey
8. Was Odysseus’ Revenge on the Suitors Justified?
9. Examining the Role of the Servants in the Odyssey
10. How Did Odysseus Succeed and Fail as a Husband to Penelope?
11. ‘Man of Twists and Turns’ – An Analysis of Odysseus as a Morally Gray Character
12. A Study of the Antagonists in the Odyssey: What Differentiates Friend From Foe
13. What Is the Role of Ghosts in Odysseus’ Journey?
14. Penelope’s Character in the Odyssey – How Odysseus’ Wife Is Different From Other Women in the Epic
15. An Examination of the Family Relationships in the Odyssey

✒️ Literary Analysis of The Odyssey: Essay Topics

1. Why Are Homeric Similes in the Odyssey Effective?
2. The Importance of Loyalty Throughout Homer’s Odyssey
3. The Role of Metaphors in the Odyssey and How Homer Used Them
4. The Uses of Irony Throughout the Odyssey’s Books
5. The Impact of Perseverance on Odysseus’ Journey
6. Why Was the Odyssey Written Out of Chronological Order?
7. Dactylic Hexameter as One of the Most Significant Literary Devices in the Odyssey
8. An Analysis of the Last Book of the Odyssey: How It Differs From the Rest of the Epic
9. The Role of Allusions to the Iliad in the Odyssey
10. How and Why Is Sarcasm Expressed Throughout the Odyssey?
11. An Examination of the Narrator in the Odyssey and Its Relation to the Oral Tradition
12. Symbols in the Odyssey – An Analysis of the Most Common Motifs Appearing in the Epic
13. The Language of Homeric Epic Poems: Its Iterations in the Odyssey
14. How Different Translations of the Odyssey Change Our Perspective on the Subject Matter of the Epic?

🆚 The Odyssey & Other Stories: Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

1. The Study of Greco-Roman Cultures Through the Odyssey and the Epic of Gilgamesh
2. A Comparative Literary Analysis of the Odyssey and the Aeneid
3. The Contrasting Themes of the Iliad and the Odyssey
4. The Portrayal of Women in Epic Poems Through a Study of the Odyssey and Oedipus Rex
5. In What Ways Did James Joyce’s Ulysses Draw Inspiration From the Odyssey?
6. An Analysis of Humans Through the Lens of the Odyssey and Rig Veda
7. Contrasting Depictions of Heroism Between Beowulf and Odysseus
8. A Comparison of Homer’s Odyssey and Dante’s Divine Comedy as Epic Poems
9. What Can We Learn About the Ancient Greek Gods Through the Odyssey and Theogony?
10. Ideas of Morality in Homer’s Odyssey and Virgil’s Aeneid
11. A Literary Analysis of the Homeric Hymns and the Odyssey: Do They Really Have a Different Author?

❓ Odyssey Essay Questions

1. What Is an Example of Alliteration From “The Odyssey”?
2. What Does “Odyssey” Mean in Greek Mythology?
3. What Occupation Did Eumaeus Have in “The Odyssey”?
4. Why Is the Theme of Disguise so Prevalent Throughout Homer’s Odyssey?
5. How Is “The Odyssey” Book Written Based on the Flaws and Imperfections of the Main Characters?
6. What Is the Land of Death in “The Odyssey”?
7. Did Atreides Make It Home in “The Odyssey”?
8. What Are the Parallels Between Loyalty to Odysseus and Loyalty to the Gods in the Odyssey?
9. How the Greeks Portrayed God in “The Odyssey”?
10. Are Women the Source of Many Difficulties for Odysseus in “The Odyssey”?
11. What Is the Main Message in “The Odyssey”?
12. How Does Hubris Affect Odysseus in “The Odyssey” Epic Poem?
13. Gender in the Odyssey – What Were the Ancient Greek Gender Roles, and How Are They Expressed in Homer’s Epic?
14. How Did Odysseus Display the Characteristics of a Hero in “The Odyssey”?
15. How Does “The Odyssey” Represent the Importance of Family?
16. A Deconstruction of the Theme of Fate in the Odyssey: How Did the Gods Influence Odysseus’ Fate?
17. Whether the Olympians Prefer War or Peace in “The Iliad” and “The Odyssey”?
18. Did Odysseus Bring the Trouble on Himself in “The Odyssey”?
19. Which Epic Has Most Relevance to a Twenty-First Century Reader, Virgil’s “Aeneid” or Homer’s “The Odyssey”?
20. What Does “The Odyssey” Teach Us About Greek Culture?
21. How Is Cunning the Most Celebrated Quality in the Odyssey?
22. What Can We Learn From “The Odyssey” Journey?
23. How Telemachus Evolved From a Boy to a Man in “The Odyssey”?
24. How Fate and Free Will Play a Part in “The Odyssey”?
25. How Does Homer Use Suspense to Make the Story of “The Odyssey” More Interesting?
26. How Women Are Portrayed in Homer’s “The Odyssey”?
27. How Was the Divine Represented in Homer’s “The Odyssey”?
28. How the Star Crossed Lover Theme Appears in the “Aeneid” and “The Odyssey”?
29. What Is a Good Thesis Statement for “The Odyssey”?
30. Why Does Odysseus Fit the Epic Hero’s Mold in Homer’s “The Odyssey”?