Epic Poems:
1. The Epic of Gilgamesh (Ancient Mesopotamia): This epic poem from ancient Mesopotamia is one of the oldest surviving pieces of literature. It explores themes of mortality, friendship, and the search for meaning.
2. The Odyssey & The Iliad (Ancient Greece): These two epics by Homer are foundational to Western literature. They tell the stories of Odysseus's journey home and the Trojan War, respectively, and are still read and studied today.
Religious Texts:
3. The Bible (Judeo-Christian tradition): The Bible has had a profound influence on Western literature, art, and culture. Its narratives, characters, and themes are constantly referenced and reinterpreted in works of fiction, poetry, and drama.
4. The Quran (Islamic tradition): The Quran is the central religious text of Islam, and its verses have inspired countless works of literature, poetry, and art across the Islamic world.
Plays:
5. Oedipus Rex (Sophocles): This Greek tragedy explores themes of fate, free will, and the nature of knowledge. Its influence on Western drama is undeniable.
6. Hamlet (William Shakespeare): Shakespeare's tragedy is considered one of the greatest plays ever written. Its themes of revenge, doubt, and the human condition continue to resonate with audiences today.
Novels:
7. Don Quixote (Miguel de Cervantes): This Spanish novel is considered the first modern novel and is celebrated for its humor, satire, and exploration of idealism vs. reality.
8. Pride and Prejudice (Jane Austen): Austen's novel is a masterpiece of social commentary and a timeless exploration of love, marriage, and social class.
9. Moby Dick (Herman Melville): This epic novel delves into themes of obsession, revenge, and the nature of good and evil. It is considered a pinnacle of American literature.
Other:
10. The Canterbury Tales (Geoffrey Chaucer): Chaucer's collection of stories told by pilgrims on their journey to Canterbury established the use of the vernacular language in literature and introduced a new style of storytelling.
11. One Hundred Years of Solitude (Gabriel García Márquez): This novel by Gabriel García Márquez, one of the pioneers of magical realism, is a powerful story of family, history, and the cyclical nature of time. Its influence has spread widely throughout Latin American and world literature.
12. One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (Ken Kesey): This novel, and its subsequent film adaptation, explores themes of rebellion, individuality, and the fight against oppressive systems. It had a significant impact on counterculture movements and literature.
This is just a small sample of the vast array of works that have influenced world literature. It's important to remember that the influence of a literary work is often complex and long-lasting, leaving a lasting impact on generations of writers and readers.