The Best Translations and Retellings of The Odyssey

BEST FOR FIRST TIME READERS

Robert Fagles’ verse translation of The Odyssey achieves an especially even-handed balance between narrative momentum and poetic grandeur. His language is fresh, capturing both the excitement of the adventures and the pathos of the relationships. This edition also includes an excellent introduction by Bernard Knox, which has helpful context for those approaching The Odyssey for the first time.

THE BEST CLASSIC TRANSLATION

E. V. Rieu’s translation of The Odyssey was the first title in the Penguin Classics series and for a long time it was the best-selling of all Penguin books. His straightforward prose focuses on the clarity of the storytelling, which makes for an extremely accessible version of The Odyssey that reads more like a novel than a poem.

THE MOST BEAUTIFUL AND POETIC

The American poet Robert Fitzgerald’s verse translation of The Odyssey is measured and musical. It prioritises rhythm, tone and elegance over strict accuracy, which makes it a particular pleasure to read, especially out loud. This was the standard translation in America in the second half of the 20th century.

THE MOST ACCURATE TRANSLATION

In this recent verse translation, Mendelsohn reproduces many of Homer’s formal qualities: his enjambment, alliteration and assonance, his repetitions and formulaic patterns. Mendelsohn even approximates Homer’s dactylic hexameter, recreating the stately, hypnotic pace of the original. His translation is lucid and highly readable.

THE BEST RETELLING OF THE ODYSSEY

Stephen Fry published Odyssey in 2024, infusing the epic poem with his characteristic warmth, wit, knowledge and conversational ease. Humourous, jaunty and reletable. 

THE BEST CHILDREN'S RETELLING

The Epically Awesome Odyssey, as told by Nanny Piggins by R.A Spratt is a children’s take on the classic text packed full of cake, mockery and mirth. Travel with Odysseus and her crew as they face man-munching monsters, Greek Gods with rage issues, Sirens brandishing cake batter to tempt sailors to their doom and a forbidden sausage sizzle on the Island of Helios.

THE BEST FOR YOUNG READERS

Littered with historical facts, maps, and family trees, Liv brings all of her knowledge and expertise in this middle-grade, modern retelling of The Odyssey. A story of trickery, lies, and perseverance, watch as Odysseus is tested to the limits by the Cyclops, sirens, and lots of meddling, angry gods - packed with jaw-dropping illustrations. 

Parts of this article were taken from penguin.co.uk