Let Me Help You Read The Odyssey

Homer’s Odyssey is having a moment.

Christopher Nolan, one of Hollywood’s last great directors, has announced his next project: an adaptation of this ancient epic. The cast already includes A-list names like Tom Holland, Zendaya, Matt Damon, Robert Pattinson, Anne Hathaway, Lupita Nyong'o, and Charlize Theron.

I’m intrigued, but cautious. Nolan is one of the last few good Hollywood directors but his style is grounded in psychological complexity and non-linear storytelling which doesn’t immediately suggest a natural fit for the episodic, action-driven narrative of the Odyssey. Fantasy epic, and especially fantasy epic adaptation is not easy, and not really something Nolan’s experience indicates he would be great at. Moreover, Hollywood is so bad at greek myths thing, and the ones we had in the 2010s were so, so bad. Remember Immortals?

That said, I’m glad this project is happening. It introduces the next generation to one of the most significant works of literature. The Odyssey, composed around the 8th century BCE, represents the origins of Western storytelling traditions. It has influenced countless authors, poets, and artists throughout history. At a time when superhero movies dominate screens, revisiting this foundational text feels like a much-needed cultural reset.

The Translation Debate: Ancient Wisdom in Modern Words

The other Odyssey news is that a A viral tweet with over 30 million views of the Odyssey also broke out last month on Twitter over the latest translation of the book by Emily Wilson.

Emily Wilson's translation has sparked controversy by choosing straightforward, contemporary language over the ornate style of traditional translations.

For example, Wilson opens with the phrase “Tell me about a complicated man,” framing Odysseus in a way that risks imposing modern psychological frameworks onto an ancient action-oriented hero. In contrast, earlier translations emphasized his cunning and resourcefulness, reflecting the Greeks’ focus on deeds over introspection.

Take a look at the comparison between her prose and the previous translators.

Her opening “Complicated Man” resembles psychological states, like a modern sense of “problematic” or "unexpectedly self-undermining".

The ancient Greeks valued deeds over introspection. Their heroes didn't grapple with existential crises; they faced tangible challenges in the physical world. Unlike modern literary protagonists who might spend pages exploring their inner turmoil, Odysseus was a man of action. His character emerged through his choices and their consequences, not through psychological introspection.

The ancients were very much action oriented. They responded to events. That’s why people who read it now see the dialogue and character motivations problematic by modern standards. Conversations often sound stilted, and many characters lack depth, existing solely to propel Odysseus' journey forward.

That said, any translation that makes the Odyssey accessible is better than none. This is a Lindy book, a timeless classic that everyone should read. Its survival over thousands of years speaks to its universal appeal and enduring lessons.

Have You Read It?

The Odyssey is a huge book and understandably most people haven’t read it, or listened to it as an audio book. That’s understandable. It’s not the most well written book ever. The descriptions, while often vivid, can be overly repetitive. Every time someone prepares a feast, strings a bow, or sets sail, Homer dives into the same meticulous details as if the audience needs to be reminded how to roast meat or launch a ship. It can feel monotonous, like the narrative is stuck in a loop.

Then there are the similes, at first charming, but eventually excessive, where every small event seems to be compared to lions, storms, or swarms of bees. the pacing is uneven. Some episodes, like the encounter with the Cyclops, are exciting and richly detailed, while others drag on or feel like filler.

Here’s a frame of mind to keep while reading the Odyssey:

Homer is telling you that in life you need to be a generalist and not a specialist.

Why Did The Odyssey Survive All These Years?

We can never know with certainty why some works survive the test of time while others fade into obscurity. What we do know is this: when something endures across millennia, transcending countless cultural shifts and historical epochs, it must contain some fundamental truth that speaks to the human experience regardless of time or place.

In my opinion, For The Odyssey, endures because it reveals a fundamental truth about life: success requires versatility. Through Odysseus's journey, we learn that life isn't about mastering a single skill.

Each distinct adventure presents Odysseus with a different type of challenge that requires a different set of skills. Sometimes he needs physical strength, other times cunning intelligence. In some situations, he must be eloquent and diplomatic; in others, he must exercise restraint and patience. Like life itself, his journey doesn't test just one capability, it demands them all.

The Greeks understood this need for versatility deeply. They called this ideal "arete" – excellence across multiple domains. Unlike our modern tendency toward hyper-specialization, the ancient Greeks valued the ability to excel in various aspects of life. Odysseus embodies this ideal perfectly. He's not just a warrior, or just a strategist, or just a leader, he's all these things, adapting his approach based on what each situation demands.

Life Lessons from the Odyssey

Each episode in the Odyssey provides a practical skill or insight, reinforcing the idea that The Odyssey is not just an adventure but a comprehensive manual for navigating life’s complexities. Whether the lessons involve relationships, strategy, resilience, or self-awareness, they speak to the enduring relevance of Odysseus’ journey.

Here are the ones I want to focus on in this newsletter. Perhaps it’ll make reading the actual book easier for you.

1) Cyclops: Outsmarting Power with Strategy

2) The Sirens: The Importance of Boundaries

3) Scylla and Charybdis: Navigating Hard Choices

4) Circe: Turning Enemies into Allies

5) The Land of the Dead: Learning from the Past

6) The Cattle of Helios: The Consequences of Short-Term Thinking

7) The Bow of Odysseus: Mastery Through Preparation

8) The Lotus-Eaters: Resisting the Comfort Trap

9) Calypso’s Island: Choosing Purpose Over Comfort

10) Nausicaa and the Phaeacians: Winning Through Humility and Grace

Cyclops

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