Should I read the Iliad or Odyssey first?

Juan Francisco Although they’re not exactly sequential, I’d recommend you to read The Iliad first, then The Odyssey. The Iliad provides you huge context, involving the Trojan War, plenty of characters (including Odysseus), and the cosmovision of Ancient Greece.

What should I read before Iliad?

The first few lectures of Ancient Greek History should definitely prepare you. You have to examine it from a Greek point of view. They believed in the evils of hubris (common subject in Greek literature in general as well as the Iliad).

At what age should you read the Iliad?

The ideal age range here is probably 8-12, but again I enjoy read aloud even as an adult. The book I chose is ‘The Iliad’ by Homer, or actually a children’s version of it called ‘Black Ships Before Troy’ by Rosemary Sutcliff, which you can find here.

Is the Iliad and the Odyssey hard to read?

For the first-time reader, probably the hardest thing about Homer’s Iliad is its language. And once you get past the weird cultural details (reading the introduction to your edition will help), the poem is extremely accessible. The characters are vivid, and every reader will find someone to identify with.

Is it OK to read odyssey first?

Originally Answered: Can you read the Odyssey before the Iliad? You can read the two in whichever order you happen to find them. Neither the Iliad nor the Odyssey will be spoiled buy a particular order.

Can you read the Odyssey first?

The Odyssey does tend to be more accessible because its plot is more action packed and varied, so it might be a good choice to read first. If you only read one of the two epics in your lifetime, though, I would recommend the Iliad over the Odyssey.

Is Iliad easy to read?

Since the Iliad has been translated into modern English, people often find it surprisingly easy to read. Look for a translation that includes footnotes, a glossary, and other helpful features that may help to make the reading process even easier for you.

Can a 14 year old read the Odyssey?

I would mostly recommend this epic to teens 15 and older, not because of the language used but moreso the level of maturity needed to understand the sensuality used in the novel. In my opinion, older male viewers may find The Odyssey to be a great read.

Can a 15 year old read the Iliad?

I wouldn’t recommend this version for people under 15. Maybe read a simpler version of it.

Should I read the introduction to the Iliad?

If you use this handbook while you read the Iliad, I recommend that you read the introduction to the list and look through it before you start reading, and then use it afterward if you get confused about who is who. If you are content with a quick overview of the book, you probably don’t need it.

What age is appropriate to read the Odyssey?

The inclusion of greek gods highlights that the novel was written earlier, meaning the language used may be difficult for some to interpret. I would mostly recommend this epic to teens 15 and older, not because of the language used but moreso the level of maturity needed to understand the sensuality used in the novel.

Is the Iliad better than the Odyssey?

The Iliad is much more human in scope. Although the Gods take part in both, they are much more prominent in the Odyssey. The Odyssey is much more a series of fantastic voyages, similar to the Arabian Nights, especially those concerning Sinbad the Sailor, which they resemble in no small part.