Hillsdale College: Free online course on The Odyssey · Jul 17–18, 2026

For nearly 3000 years, Homer's The Odyssey has shaped Western imagination. It tells the story of Odysseus as he faces monsters, shipwrecks, false comforts, and impossible choices on his long journey home. As one of the foundational works of Western literature, Homer's epic is more than a mythology. It explores permanent questions about courage, duty, loyalty, family, leadership, temptation, And the search for home in one of the epics defining moments Odysseus rejects the offer of immortality from the goddess Calypso choosing instead the long and difficult journey home his decision reveals one of the central themes of the Odyssey that a life of duty family and home is greater than a life devoted to comfort or glory Achilles chose glory Odysseus chose home. That's why Hillsdale College has released its newest free online course, The Odyssey. Taught by Professor Benedict Whelan, the course reveals why Homer's masterpiece remains one of the greatest works of Western literature. Find this free course at charlieforhillsdale.com. That's charlieforhillsdale.com. Read the classics. Study the West. The Odyssey from Hillsdale College. Go to charlieforhillsdale.com.