Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’ is right around the corner from its release date. While fans have been awaiting the film for quite some time, many are not aware of the deep history the plot line is rooted in. Here is a look at all you need to know about Homer’s epic poem and how it inspired Nolan to create a retelling of his own.
What is Homer’s ‘The Odyssey’
Homer’s ‘Odyssey’ is one of the 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 transpired after the events of the war and the 10-year-long journey that Odysseus set out on to reach back his wife, Penelope, and his son, Telemachus. Meanwhile, back home in Ithaca, Penelope and Telemachus defend their throne, awaiting Odysseus’ return while dealing with suitors who wish to take over the throne.The poem was composed by Homer between 750 and 700 BCE, and was first shared with generations through word of mouth. However, after the Greek alphabet was developed, the poem was recorded for the first time on papyrus scrolls.Odysseus, the main character of the poem, was a Greek ruler who was known for his wit, intelligence, strategic thinking, diplomacy, as well as for his ability to work through a situation and survive even in the unlikeliest of odds. Rather than using force, he was known to use his intelligence to win at things; however, his overconfidence called for unwarranted attention and displeased many of the gods, including Athena, for some time, even though she was one of his biggest supporters.It took 10 years for Odysseus to travel back home on perilous waters as he had blinded Poseidon’s son, Cyclops Polyphemus. The god of water had then made a promise to send everything his way to ensure that he does not have a safe passage home. From shipwrecks to storms and supernatural beings, on his 10 year journey back home, the King of Ithaca faces everything that was known to man in the story.
The Gods and supernatural beings who plot against Odysseus
Over the course of 10 years, the king of Ithaca faces a lot of challenges and monsters. These include Aeolus, who gifts him a bag of all the winds that exist, minus the one he needs to get home. However, this bag invites a set of storms after his crew opens it up thinking that it may hold some treasure. Another notable moment in the poem comes with Circe, who turns his crew into pigs. However, he is able to convince her to let them sail back home after a year of living on her island. Odysseus even travels to the underworld to gain answers from Tiresias. He also encounters his mother, and to of his soldiers, Achilles and Agamemnon. On his journey he encounters a lot more creatures and divine forces that do everything in their power to stop him from returning to Ithaca.
More about Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’
‘The Odyssey’, starring names like Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Lupita Nyong’o, and many others, is slated for release on July 17 worldwide. Shot on IMAX cameras, the film is set to follow King of Ithaca Odysseus on his journey back home to his wife and son.
