Odyssey (disambiguation) facts for kids
The Odyssey is a very old epic poem from ancient Greece. It was written by a poet named Homer. The poem tells the exciting story of a hero named Odysseus and his long journey home after the Trojan War.
But the word "Odyssey" can mean more than just this famous poem! It often describes a long and adventurous journey, or a series of experiences that are like a journey. Many different things have been named "Odyssey" because of this meaning.
The Famous Epic Poem
The original Odyssey is one of the most important stories from ancient times. It follows Odysseus, the king of Ithaca, as he tries to get back to his family after fighting in the Trojan War. His trip takes ten years, and he faces many dangers. These include monsters, powerful gods, and tricky challenges. The story is full of adventure, courage, and cleverness.
Odyssey in Games
The name "Odyssey" has been used for many games, probably because games often involve long quests or adventures!
Video Game Consoles
- Magnavox Odyssey: This was one of the very first home video game consoles ever made. It came out in 1972.
- Magnavox Odyssey²: This was the next version of the Magnavox console, released in 1978.
Other Games
- Odyssey: The Compleat Apventure: An early computer role-playing game from 1980.
- Odyssey (Magic: The Gathering): This is a special set of cards for the popular trading card game Magic: The Gathering.
Odyssey in Music
Some musicians and bands have used the name "Odyssey" for their work.
- Odyssey (band): This is a well-known American music group, famous for their disco and R&B songs.
- ARP Odyssey: This is a type of electronic music synthesizer. It's a special keyboard instrument used to create different sounds.
Odyssey in Television
You might have seen the word "Odyssey" in TV shows or channels.
TV Channels
- Odyssey (TV channel): A TV channel in Canada that shows programs in the Greek language.
- Hallmark Channel: This popular channel was actually known as the "Odyssey Channel" for a while before it changed its name.
TV Shows
- The Odyssey (TV series): A Canadian TV show from the 1990s about a boy who falls into a coma and explores a strange world.
- The Odyssey (TV miniseries): A short American TV series from 1997 that retells the classic story of Homer's Odyssey.
- Odyssey 5: A science-fiction TV series that started in 2002. It's about a group of astronauts who try to save Earth.
Fictional Spaceships
Because "Odyssey" means a long journey, it's a great name for spaceships that travel far!
- A fictional spaceship in the Stargate universe.
- A fictional starship in the Star Trek universe.
- A fictional spaceship in the Ulysses 31 universe.
Other Interesting Uses of Odyssey
The word "Odyssey" has been used for many other things, showing how widely its meaning of a long journey or adventure is understood.
- Adventures in Odyssey: This is a popular Christian radio and video program for kids. It tells stories about characters in a fictional town called Odyssey.
- 2001 Mars Odyssey: This is a real American spacecraft. It has been orbiting the planet Mars since 2001, studying its surface and looking for water. It's on a very long space journey!
- Honda Odyssey: This is a popular type of minivan made by the car company Honda.
- The Apollo 13 Command Module: The actual command module of the Apollo 13 space mission was named "Odyssey." This mission had a very famous and challenging journey back to Earth after an accident in space.
Images for kids
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A friendly robot, perhaps on an odyssey!
