Christopher Nolan’s “Odyssey” is just around the corner from its release date. While fans have been waiting for the film for quite some time, many are unaware of the deep history in which the plot is rooted. Here’s a look at everything you need to know about Homer’s epic poem and how it inspired Nolan to create his own retelling.
What is “The Odyssey” by Homer
Homer’s Odyssey is one of two poems written by the Greek poet and philosopher Homer. While the other piece, “The Iliad,” covers what happened during the Trojan War and how the king of Ithaca won the war, “Odyssey” covers what happened after the events of the war and the 10-year journey Odysseus undertook to find his wife, Penelope, and son, Telemachus. Meanwhile, back home in Ithaca, Penelope and Telemachus defend their throne, awaiting the return of Odysseus while dealing with suitors who want to take over the throne.The poem was composed by Homer between 750 and 700 BC, and was first shared with generations through word of mouth. However, after the Greek alphabet was developed, the poem was first recorded on papyrus scrolls.Odysseus, the main character of the poem, was a Greek ruler known for his wit, intelligence, strategic thinking, diplomacy, as well as his ability to overcome a situation and survive even against the most improbable odds. Instead of using force, he was known to use his intelligence to win things; however, his overconfidence called for unwarranted attention and displeased many of the gods, including Athena for some time, although she was one of his biggest supporters.It took Odysseus 10 years to return home in dangerous waters, as he had blinded Poseidon’s son, Cyclops Polyphemus. Then the water god had made a promise to send everything to make sure he didn’t have safe passage home. From shipwrecks to storms and supernatural beings, on his 10-year journey home, the King of Ithaca faces everything known to man in history.
The gods and supernatural beings who conspire against Odysseus
Over the course of 10 years, the King of Ithaca faces many challenges and monsters. These include Aeolus, who gives him a bag of all the winds there are, minus what he needs to get home. However, this bag invites a set of storms after its crew opens it thinking it may contain some treasure. Another highlight of the poem comes with Circe, who turns her crew into pigs. However, he is able to convince her to let them set sail to return home after a year of living on her island. Odysseus even travels to the underworld to get answers from Tiresias. He also meets his mother and two of his soldiers, Achilles and Agamemnon. On his journey he encounters many more creatures and divine forces who do everything in their power to prevent him from returning to Ithaca.
More about “The Odyssey” by Christopher Nolan
‘The Odyssey’, starring names like Matt Damon, Tom HollandAnne Hathaway, Zendaya, Lupita Nyong’o and many more, will be released on July 17 worldwide. Shot with IMAX cameras, the film follows the king of Ithaca Odysseus on his journey back home with his wife and son.