Cite The Odyssey Like a Pro: MLA, APA & Chicago Styles

Mastering academic writing requires meticulous attention to detail, and correctly citing classical literature, like Homer’s epic, is crucial. The Modern Language Association (MLA), a prominent authority on style guidelines, offers specific rules for accurately attributing quotations and references. Understanding these rules is paramount when grappling with complex sources. The University of Chicago Press also provides comprehensive style guidelines within the Chicago Manual of Style, catering to a broad range of disciplines. This article will offer a definitive guide, ensuring the correct the odyssey by homer citation across various academic formats, including MLA, APA, and Chicago.

Image taken from the YouTube channel TED-Ed , from the video titled Everything you need to know to read Homer’s “Odyssey” – Jill Dash .

Mastering Citations for Homer’s The Odyssey in MLA, APA, and Chicago Styles

This guide provides comprehensive instructions on how to properly cite The Odyssey by Homer in three major academic citation styles: MLA (Modern Language Association), APA (American Psychological Association), and Chicago. We’ll focus primarily on citing the poem itself and will cover variations depending on the translation used.

MLA Citation Style

MLA style prioritizes clarity and conciseness, focusing on author and page number within the text. For The Odyssey, the focus will be on the translator, title, and specific line numbers.

In-Text Citation (MLA)

When referencing a specific passage from The Odyssey within your text, use the following format:

• (Author’s Last Name, Line Number(s))

  For example: (Fagles, 1.1-3) This indicates lines 1 through 3 of Book 1 in the Robert Fagles translation.

  • Note: MLA uses Arabic numerals for line numbers.
  • If the translator’s name is mentioned in the sentence, only the line number(s) are needed in parentheses.
    • Example: As Fagles translates, "Sing to me of the man, Muse, the man of twists and turns" (1.1).

Works Cited Entry (MLA)

The Works Cited entry provides the complete publication details. The format depends on the type of edition you are using.

• For a standalone edition of The Odyssey:

  Author’s Last Name, First Name. The Odyssey. Translated by Translator’s First Name Last Name, Publisher, Year of Publication.

  • Example: Fagles, Robert. The Odyssey. Translated by Robert Fagles, Viking, 1996.

• For The Odyssey in an anthology or collection:

  Author’s Last Name, First Name. "Title of Work (The Odyssey)." Title of Anthology, edited by Editor’s First Name Last Name, Publisher, Year of Publication, Page Numbers of the Work.

  • This format is used if The Odyssey is part of a larger collection.

APA Citation Style

APA style, commonly used in social sciences, emphasizes the date of publication. While less common for classical literature, it’s important to understand how to apply it correctly.

In-Text Citation (APA)

APA in-text citations typically include the author’s last name, year of publication, and page or line number(s). Since The Odyssey is an ancient work, the year refers to the translation’s publication date. Indicate the relevant book and line numbers.

• (Author’s Last Name, Year, Book.Line(s))

  For example: (Fagles, 1996, 1.1-3) indicating lines 1 through 3 of Book 1 in the 1996 Fagles translation.

  • Note: APA uses Arabic numerals for line numbers.

Reference List Entry (APA)

The Reference List entry provides full publication details.

• Author’s Last Name, First Initial. (Year). The Odyssey. (Translator’s First Initial. Last Name, Trans.). Publisher. (Original work circa 8th century BCE)

  • Example: Fagles, R. (1996). The Odyssey. (R. Fagles, Trans.). Viking. (Original work circa 8th century BCE)

  • Important Note: Include the phrase "(Original work circa 8th century BCE)" at the end to acknowledge the original composition date. Adapt the century as needed based on current scholarly consensus.

Chicago Citation Style

Chicago style is highly flexible, offering both Notes-Bibliography and Author-Date systems. Here, we focus on the Notes-Bibliography system which is more common in humanities.

Footnote/Endnote Citation (Chicago)

Chicago uses footnotes or endnotes to provide citation information. The first time you cite The Odyssey, include full publication details. Subsequent citations can be shortened.

• First Citation (Full Note):

  Author’s First Name Last Name, The Odyssey, translated by Translator’s First Name Last Name (City: Publisher, Year of Publication), Book.Line(s).

  • Example: Robert Fagles, The Odyssey, translated by Robert Fagles (New York: Viking, 1996), 1.1-3.

• Subsequent Citations (Shortened Note):

  Author’s Last Name, The Odyssey, Book.Line(s).

  • Example: Fagles, The Odyssey, 1.1-3.

Bibliography Entry (Chicago)

The bibliography entry provides the complete publication information.

• Author’s Last Name, First Name. The Odyssey. Translated by Translator’s First Name Last Name. City: Publisher, Year of Publication.

  • Example: Fagles, Robert. The Odyssey. Translated by Robert Fagles. New York: Viking, 1996.

General Guidelines and Tips

Regardless of the citation style, keep the following in mind:

• Consistency: Stick to one citation style throughout your entire paper.
• Translator Importance: Always include the translator’s name in the citation, as different translations can significantly alter the meaning and interpretation of the text.
• Book and Line Numbers: Accurate referencing of book and line numbers is crucial for allowing readers to locate the specific passage. Double-check these carefully.
• Consult Style Manuals: Always refer to the official style manuals for the most up-to-date guidelines and specific situations not covered here. These manuals provide exhaustive details and examples.
• Online Editions: If you are using an online edition, cite it as you would a book, but include the URL and date of access. Check for stable URLs or DOIs (Digital Object Identifiers) whenever possible.
• Adaptations: If citing a specific adaptation (e.g., a film or graphic novel), follow the appropriate citation format for that medium, crediting the adapter or director as necessary.

Hopefully, you’ve now got a handle on citing this timeless classic like a pro. Get out there and impress your professors with your newfound knowledge of the the odyssey by homer citation! Happy citing!