Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’ is nearing its release date. While fans have been waiting for the film for a long time, many are unaware of the deep historical origin of the plot line. Here’s a look at everything you need to know about Homer’s epic poem and how it inspired Nolan to create a narrative of his own.
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’, contains what happened during the Trojan War and how the King of Ithaca won the war, the ‘Odyssey’ contains what happened after the events of the war and the 10-year journey that Odysseus embarked on to reach his wife, Penelope, and his son Telemachus. Meanwhile, at home in Ithaca, Penelope and Telemachus defend their throne, waiting for Odysseus to return while dealing with suitors who want to take over the throne.The poem was composed by Homer between 750 and 700 BCE, and was first passed down through the generations by word of mouth. However, after the Greek alphabet was developed, poetry was recorded for the first time on papyri scrolls.Odysseus, the main character of the poem, is a Greek ruler known for his wisdom, intelligence, strategic thinking, diplomacy, as well as his ability to work in a situation and survive even the most unlikely difficulties. Instead of using force, he is known to use his intelligence to win things; however, his overconfidence required undue attention and displeased many gods, including Athena, for some time, although she was one of his greatest supporters.It took 10 years for Odysseus to travel back home in dangerous waters because he blinded Poseidon’s son, Cyclops Polyphemus. The water god then promises to send everyone to make sure he has no safe passage home. From shipwrecks to storms and supernatural creatures, on his 10-year journey home, the King of Ithaca faces everything known to man in history.
The Gods and supernatural beings plot against Odysseus
For 10 years, the king of Ithaca faced many challenges and monsters. Among them is Aeolus, who gives him a bag of all the air there is, minus the one he needs to get home. However, this bag invited a bunch of storms after his crew opened it thinking it contained a lot of treasure. Another great moment in the poem comes with Circe, who turns her crew into pigs. However, he convinced her to let them sail home after a year of living on her island. Odysseus even traveled to Sheol to get answers from Tiresias. He also met his mother, and two of his soldiers, Achilles and Agamemnon. On his journey he meets many creatures and divine forces who do everything in their power to prevent him from returning to Ithaca.
More about Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’
‘The Odyssey’, starring names like Matt Damon, Tom HollandAnne Hathaway, Zendaya, Lupita Nyong’o, and more, is set to be released on July 17 worldwide. Shot on IMAX cameras, the film is set to follow the King of Ithaca Odysseus on his journey home to his wife and son.