25 Odyssey Quotes From the Classic Greek Novel

Fans of classical literature will love these Odyssey quotes!

The Odyssey was written in 1614 by the famous Greek writer Homer in the language of Homeric Greek.

It is one of two Greek epic poems attributed to Homer along with the novel Iliad.

The Odyssey has stood the test of time.

It is considered one of the oldest pieces of literature still widely read by modern audiences.

The poem is split into 24 books and follows Odysseus, the King of Ithaca, on his journey home following the Trojan War.

While the war was ten years in length, Odysseus’ journey was an additional ten years, where he faced many perils and all his companions were killed.

The Odyssey is considered one of the Western canon’s most important pieces of literature.

Take a look at these Odyssey quotes to learn more about this classic novel.

You will also enjoy our article on Achilles quotes.

Best Odyssey Quotes

Enjoy these classic quotes from the book.

1. “Man is the vainest of all creatures that have their being upon earth.” — Homer

2. “Her gifts were mixed with good and evil both.” — Homer

3. “There is a time for many words, and there is also a time for sleep.” — Homer

4. “Of all creatures that breathe and move upon the earth, nothing is bred that is weaker than man.” — Homer

5. “For a friend with an understanding heart is worth no less than a brother.” — Homer

6. “Be strong, saith my heart; I am a soldier; I have seen worse sights than this.” — Homer

7. “Immortals are never alien to one another.” — Homer

8. “The blade itself incites to deeds of violence.” — Homer

9. “Sleep, delicious and profound, the very counterfeit of death.” — Homer

10. “Each man delights in the work that suits him best.” — Homer

11. “Even his griefs are a joy long after to one that remembers all that he wrought and endured.” — Homer

12. “Few sons are like their fathers–most are worse, few better.” — Homer

13. “A man who has been through bitter experiences and travelled far enjoys even his sufferings after a time” — Homer

14. “No need, my unlucky one, to grieve here any longer, no, don’t waste your life away. Now I am willing heart and soul to send you off at last.” — Homer

15. “Sitting, still, weeping, his eyes never dry, his sweet life flowing away with the tears he wept for his foiled journey home.” — Homer

16. “There is nothing more admirable than when two people who see eye to eye keep house as man and wife, confounding their enemies and delighting their friends.” — Homer

Odyssey Quotes from the Classic

Here are some timeless quotes from the book.

17. “But I will gladly advise him — I’ll hide nothing.” — Homer

18. “Quick, dear boy, come in, let me look at you, look to my heart’s content — under my own roof, the rover home at last.” — Homer

19. “But the great leveler, Death: not even the gods can defend a man, not even one they love, that day when fate takes hold and lays him out at last.” — Homer

20. “So, surrender to sleep at last. What a misery, keeping watch through the night, wide awake — you’ll soon come up from under all your troubles.” — Homer

21. “‘Old man, go tell the omens for your children at home, and try to keep them out of trouble.” — Homer

22. “These nights are endless, and a man can sleep through them, or he can enjoy listening to stories, and you have no need to go to bed before it is time. Too much sleep is only a bore.” — Homer

23. “Would that I were still young and strong as I was in those days, for then some one of you swineherds would give me a cloak both out of good will and for the respect due to a brave soldier; but now people look down upon me because my clothes are shabby.” — Homer

24. “Ah, how shameless — the way these mortals blame the gods. From us alone, they say, come all their miseries, yes, but they themselves, with their own reckless ways, compound their pains beyond their proper share.” — Homer

25. “But we two, sitting here in the shelter, eating and drinking, shall entertain each other remembering and retelling our sad sorrows. For afterwards a man who has suffered much and wandered much has pleasure out of his sorrows.” — Homer

What Made The Odyssey One of the Most Important Pieces of Classic Literature?

Not only did The Odyssey tell a classic story, but it has also greatly impacted the imagination and cultural values throughout history.

Additionally, The Odyssey helped form the basis of education for ancient Mediterranean society.

Please share these Odyssey quotes with your friend and family and post any comments about the classic piece of literature in the comment section below.