Why The Odyssey is Still Worth Reading

Christopher Nolan’s film adaptation of Homer’s epic poem The Odyssey has sparked renewed interest in this ancient classic. According to Circana Bookscan, unit sales of all editions of The Odyssey have increased by 76 percent year-to-date. This surge in popularity is not surprising, given the timeless themes and enduring influence of The Odyssey on storytelling.

At its core, The Odyssey is a masterclass in storytelling that has influenced generations of writers and filmmakers. The archetype of the trickster hero, embodied by Odysseus, has become a staple of Western literature and cinema. This character’s cleverness and charisma are evident in characters like Ferris Bueller, Bugs Bunny, Don Draper, and Marty McFly, who often find themselves in sticky situations through their own doing.

The story’s exploration of the human desire to find one’s way home is just as powerful. Who hasn’t felt lost or stranded in an unfamiliar world and longed for the comfort and safety of family? This universal longing has inspired countless adventure stories, from Dorothy’s quest to get back to Kansas to E.T.’s yearning to phone home.

Reading The Odyssey provides insight into the narrative structures that underpin many beloved stories. It also offers a fresh perspective on familiar favorites. However, navigating its ancient culture and moral system can be challenging. Greek heroes often engage in unprovoked murder and theft, and Odysseus’s boasts about his conquests can be jarring.

Adaptations like Netflix’s Kaos and the 2019 Broadway musical Hadestown demonstrate the enduring power of ancient myths to captivate audiences today. These interpretations bring the Olympian gods into modern contexts, stripping away their moral ambiguities. The success of these adaptations highlights the importance of engaging with stories that reflect our shared human experiences.

While reading The Odyssey can be demanding, its rewards are well worth the effort. By immersing ourselves in this ancient epic, we gain a deeper understanding of how storytelling has evolved over time. We also develop a greater appreciation for the ways in which our modern stories reflect timeless concerns and desires that have driven human imagination since the dawn of civilization.

Ultimately, The Odyssey remains a testament to the enduring power of human imagination and creativity. It is an invitation to explore the rich cultural heritage that underpins our collective storytelling traditions. As we watch film adaptations like Nolan’s or engage with reinterpretations like those mentioned above, let us remember the 2,800-year-old poem that inspired them in the first place.

Other notable adaptations of ancient myths include C.S. Lewis’s philosophical exploration of faith in Till We Have Faces, Mary Renault’s archaeological scholarship-driven reimagining of the myth of Theseus and the minotaur in The King Must Die, and Ursula K. Le Guin’s immersive world-building around the unspeaking woman Aenea. These stories are just a small part of a much larger cultural tapestry that reflects our shared human experiences and desires across time and place.