The Odyssey: Everything You Need To Know Before Watching
It’s been two weeks since Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” hit cinemas, and if you are yet to make the journey to the big screen have no fear, I am here to break down the ins and outs of Homer’s epic tale.
Homer is an ancient Greek poet and in many ways the Godfather of Greek literature. He is best known for The Iliad and The Odyssey, two epic poems that detail the events of the Trojan war and Odysseus’s journey home, each poem is divided into 24 books and explores themes of destruction, glory, and loyalty.
Most of us know the story of the Trojan War, thanks to Brad Pitt and his handsome portrayal of Achilles in the 2004 blockbuster “Troy” an adaptation from Homer’s Iliad, but what happens after? The Odyssey follows Odysseus and his perilous 10 year journey home to Ithaca following the events of the Trojan war and the falling of Troy.
Both poems have been adapted into feature length films over the years, Troy (2004), Helen of Troy (1956), and The Trojan Women (1971) are all based on The Iliad. “O Brother, Where Art Thou” (2000) is a reimagining of The Odyssey starring George Clooney based in Mississippi and is one of the most famous adaptations of the epic, until now.
Join me below as I take you through everything you need to know before tackling Nolan’s latest adaptation.
WHAT IS THE ODYSSEY?
So, let’s start at the beginning. Homer composed 2 epic poems in the 7th or 8th century according to the scholars, The Iliad and The Odyssey. The Iliad follows The Trojan war, a 10-year battle, whilst The Odyssey tells the story of Odysseus, one of the heroes of the war, and the King of Ithaca, on his 10-year journey home. The story begins 10 years after the fall of Troy, Odysseus (Matt Damon) is yet to return home to Ithaca where his wife Penelope (Anne Hathaway) and son Telemachus (Tom Holland) refuse to believe he has fallen to the war. Penelope is under immense pressure to remarry and provide Ithaca with a new King, this is when we meet Antinous (Robert Pattinson), a cunning and arrogant suitor of Penelope desperate to ascend the throne. Telemachus, determined to find his father, sets out on his own journey to be reunited with Odyseuss, who is currently being held captive by the nymph Calypso (Charlize Theron).
Athena (Zendaya) seeks the help of Zeus to free Odysseus, and on his journey back to Ithaca Poseidon destroys his raft. Odysseus is saved by the sea nymph Ino and lands upon the shores of Scherie where his trials and tribulations exceed all his faced thus far.
We return once again to Ithaca where Penelope’s faith in Odysseus’s return is beginning to wane, and Antinous is plotting to murder Telemachus and overthrow the throne. Penelope reveals she is ready to remarry and organises an archery contest with the champion set to win her hand.
WHO IS ODYSSEUS?
Odysseus, played by Matt Damon, is considered one of the most influential warriors of the Trojan War. He is described as being cunning, strategic, determined, and the voice of reason amongst the soldiers. It is Odysseus who conjured the plan to enter Troy inside of the infamous Trojan Horse, however like all Greek tragedies, Odysseus is often burdened with faults.
Odysseus is beautifully complex, often described as an “arrogant trickster.” Throughout the story he falls victim to his own pride on numerous occasions, and has what some may call “terrible judgement” leading his men into deadly situations, all of which can be seen in the movie. Damon plays him with such humility that it’s hard not to root for our tragic hero.
WHO ARE THE MAJOR PLAYERS?
Penelope – Queen of Ithaca, the devoted wife of Odysseus and mother of Telemachus. She is incredibly intelligent, resourceful, and resilient in her husband’s absence, refusing to succumb to the pressures of remarrying.
Telemachus – Son of Odysseus, is courageous and loyal. Telemachus lacks confidence and experiences his own journey of maturity throughout this story, especially when setting out to find his father.
Antinous – Antinous is one of the principal villains in this tale, a main suitor of Queen Penelope, he is arrogant, cruel, and riddled with pride. In his efforts to conquer the throne Antinous plots to murder Telemachus and forcefully name himself the King of Ithaca.
Calypso – A nymph who traps Odysseus on her island for seven years. Calypso falls in love with Odysseus when he washes up on the shores of her island and keeps him prisoner in the hopes he will agree to be her immortal husband.
THE JOURNEY OF ODYSSEUS
Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” takes us on a journey of survival, and will power. Viewers become passengers onboard Odysseus’s quest home as he battles Nymphs, Gods, monsters, and tumultuous storms. Our hero faces temptation, dangerous encounters, all whilst watching his comrades fall in his desperate attempts to be reunited with his wife and son. It is a tale of strength, survival, loyalty, and perseverance in the name of love.
HOW HAS THE ODYSSEY STOOD THE TEST OF TIME?
The Odyssey is considered one of the greatest pieces of literature of all time alongside The Iliad, Homer’s work has influenced some of the greatest writers and stories since its conception. Christopher Nolan is the first Hollywood director to adapt The Odyssey in its entirety for the big screen, and you can see it in theatres worldwide now.