Abstract: | This article examines the challenges that faced two storytellers when developing an oral retelling of Homer’s Iliad for use
with children aged 9–11. Drawing on evidence from two schools in a deprived area of London the discussion explores the extent
to which the storytellers have been successful in creating a version of the story that is both faithful to the original in
content and language, and accessible to the widest possible audience.
Bob Lister is a lecturer in Education and Classics at the University of Cambridge, England. As Director of the Cambridge School
Classics Project from 1996 to 2003, he was responsible for the development of a range of schoolbased resources on the ancient
world, including War with Troy: The Story of Achilles. He has read Homer's Iliad and Odyssey with learners of all ages. |