The Odyssey is one of the Western world’s most influential works of literature. Originally an oral poem, it was eventually written down as early as the 8th century BCE or as late as the 6th century BCE. It is attributed to Homer, who is also credited with composing The Iliad, an epic poem describing the ten years of the Trojan War. This epic poem includes 12,109 lines composed in Homeric hexameter that are organized into 24 books.

This poem describes the Greek War hero Odysseus’s journey to return home after the Trojan War, which lasted for 10 years. This return journey takes 10 more years. While Odysseus is making the journey, his wife Penelope must keep suitors at bay while she waits for her husband’s return.

On this journey, Odysseus and his crew are constantly beset by challenges and obstacles. Of the stops that they make, the three referenced by Brooks include the meeting of the Lotus Eaters, the tricking of the Cyclops, and the trips to the entrance of the underworld.

Odysseus and his crew experience their first major obstacle when they land on an island after being blown off course in a storm.