Odyssey

Title: Odyssey (Stephen Fry's Great Mythology #4)

Author: Stephen Fry

Published in: 2024

Date read: 16th November 2024

Score: 5/5

Genre: Mythology

Plot: (Warning, may contain spoilers):
"Odyssey," published in 2024, is the final volume in Stephen Fry's acclaimed series of myth retellings. It focuses on the legendary journey of the cunning hero Odysseus, after the conclusion of the Trojan War, as he attempts to make his way home to Ithaca. The novel continues Fry's signature narrative style, blending wit, humour, and a deep appreciation for the original myths.

The story begins where Troy left off. After his brilliant strategic mind devised the Trojan Horse, Odysseus, King of Ithaca, and his men set sail, expecting a swift and triumphant return home. However, their hubris and a series of grave missteps lead to a decade-long odyssey, cursed by the wrath of the sea god Poseidon.

Fry's retelling meticulously details the hero's epic, perilous voyage. The narrative is a series of episodic adventures, as Odysseus and his crew face an array of mythological creatures, gods, and deadly trials:

They encounter the deadly one-eyed giant, the Cyclops, from whom they must escape.
They are lured by the enchanting song of the Sirens, and Odysseus must bind himself to his ship's mast to resist their spell.
They visit the island of the sorceress Circe, who turns his men into pigs.
They navigate the treacherous waters between the sea monster Scylla and the whirlpool Charybdis.
They descend into the Underworld to seek advice from a prophet.
They face the beautiful nymph Calypso, who holds Odysseus captive for years.
Throughout the journey, Odysseus's intelligence, bravery, and stubborn will are constantly tested. He loses all of his men and his ships, arriving back in Ithaca as a lone wanderer.

The final section of the book is devoted to Odysseus's homecoming. He finds his kingdom overrun by arrogant suitors who are vying for the hand of his faithful wife, Penelope, and a corrupting influence on his son, Telemachus. Odysseus must use his cunning to disguise himself and, with the help of his son, reclaim his throne and his family in a violent and decisive confrontation.

"Odyssey" is a captivating and comprehensive retelling of one of the most enduring stories in Western literature. Fry brings the myth to life with fresh prose, making the ancient tale of heroism, perseverance, and home feel as relevant and exciting today as it was thousands of years ago.

Comments:
An outstanding finish to an outstanding set of 4 books. My love of these stories started in Latin lessons from 1990 and these books brought it all back and were even better. The way that Stephen Fry has told them has, dare I say, improved them even more. Please read them all, I now have to go back and check names of some that I have forgotten from Mythos and check a few links from Heroes.

Books that we've read by Stephen Fry (4):
Mythos: The Greek Myths Retold (Stephen Fry's Great Mythology, #1) (2017), Heroes: Mortals and Monsters, Quests and Adventures (Stephen Fry's Great Mythology, #2) (2018), Troy (Stephen Fry's Great Mythology, #3) (2020), Odyssey (Stephen Fry's Great Mythology #4) (2024)