Christopher Nolan’s latest blockbuster is about to hit theaters and while we are very excited, we are also a little nervous. After all, The Odyssey is no easy read. Hopefully the movie will be easier to follow, and to set you up for some big-screen success we’ve broken down the basics of Homer’s epic poem.
See the movie, read the book, or vice versa. Either way, bring home the painted-edge edition of Homer's The Odyssey today!
Main Characters
The Odyssey follows a heroic king, Odysseus (played by Matt Damon), as he tries to make his way home to Ithaca after fighting in the Trojan War for almost a decade. His family includes his wife Penelope (Anne Hathaway) and his coming-of-age son Telemachus (Tom Holland). There’s also the goddess of wisdom, Athena (Zendaya), as well as Antinous (Robert Pattison), who is trying to take Odysseus’ kingdom and wife for himself.
The Structure
Homer divided The Odyssey into 24 books with the main plot consisting of the main character’s journey home, and a sub plot following Penelope and Telemachus and the challenges they face while Odysseus is gone. Homer originally created The Odyssey as an oral poem that was meant to be performed rather than read.
Time & Place
The Odyssey takes place after the Trojan War over a period of 10 years during which Odysseus travels across the Mediterranean Sea to reach Ithaca. His journey covers Mount Olympus, Circe’s island, the Underworld and more where he encounters dangerous creatures the likes of multi-headed monsters, a cyclops, sirens, and nymphs along the way.
Central Themes
The idea of nostos, an ancient Greek word for “homecoming,” is at the core of The Odyssey. This return home often takes place by sea and is a feat within itself since many warriors never returned due to shipwrecks and other trials and temptations. In contrast, Homer’s other epic, The Iliad, focuses more on death and destruction during the last days of the Trojan War. You do not have to read one in order to understand the other.
The Gods to Defy
A basic understanding of Greek mythology does go a long way here. We all know Zeus–the king of the gods–and as mentioned before, Athena is the goddess of wisdom. For The Odyssey, it’s also good to remember that Poseidon is the god of the sea and Hermes is the messenger of the gods. Athena is the only good gal here.