Amazon.co.uk Review
The Odyssey is a story CD-ROM that allows children to hear the story of this Greek epic in a child-friendly easy-to-follow way over 20 chapters. There is a useful bookmark function, which allows children to return to their place at any time. They will hear all about Odysseus's adventures as he sails home from the Trojan War. A cyclops, giants and monsters are encountered on his voyage.
Children can listen to the story and follow the text, which is displayed at the top of the story frame. The difficult words in the text have been highlighted and if these are clicked on definitions are given.
There is a picture gallery so that children can find out more about the different characters in the story. They can also choose to go on two adventures--the Perilous Voyage or the Herculean task. Children have to move squares to the correct places to form pictures to progress through the challenge. The pictures get increasing more complex as they progress. It is a shame that other games were not included to make it a more exciting adventure. There seems to be a problem with returning to the story after choosing this option.
By choosing the option to look at the book children can read information about the Trojan War, Greek gods, homes and families, food and clothing, education and recreation, art and architecture.
The Odyssey allows children to hear a version of Homer's epic poem and find out more about the Greeks. This would be useful for children aged eight to 11 years old who are studying ancient Greece at school. --Amanda York
Manufacturer's Description
Written by Homer in the 8th century BC, The Odyssey is a stirring tale of courage & adventure, and one of the greatest epics of all time.
This CD-ROM title is a fun-filled rendering of the classic capturing all the excitement of a great tale well told.
Set sail with Odysseus, the wise and brave king of Ithaca, and hero of the Trojan War. Follow his adventures with his companion, the old storyteller, as he meets strange and colorful characters at every turn. The one-eyed Cyclops, serpent headed Scylla, and a beautiful enchantress who turns men into pigs! Escaping from the spell of the Sirens only to face the fury of Helios the Sun God, Odysseus has to remain one jump ahead just to stay alive.
With its many twists and turns, The Odyssey is non-stop excitement in an adventure never to be forgotten.
Learning Opportunities:
Exposure to one of the all-time great epics of the world.
Provides a historical and cultural perspective to Greece.
Introduces morals and ethics while summarizing at the end of each chapter.
Enriches vocabulary and pronunciation.
Interaction and participation to ensure there is comprehension and understanding.