Ogygia and Eden: The Odyssean Background of Genesis 2-3

Scholars have long noted parallels between the Eden narrative in Gen 2,4b-3,24 and the fifth book of Homer’s Odyssey, describing Odysseus’ sojourn on Calypso’s island Ogygia. So far, however, no monographic study has explored these similarities. The present article discusses previous scholarly observations and offers new evidence that the author of Genesis 2,4b-3,24 was inspired by the Homeric narrative.