Everything you need to know before watching Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’

Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’ brings Homer’s ancient Greek epic to the big screen with a massive scale, nearly three-hour runtime, and an ensemble cast featuring Matt Damon as Odysseus, Anne Hathaway as Penelope, Tom Holland as Telemachus, Robert Pattinson as Antinous, and Zendaya as Athena.

The film follows Odysseus’ 10-year struggle to return home to Ithaca after the fall of Troy, where his wife Penelope and son Telemachus await him. While many viewers may know parts of the story from the Trojan horse to the Cyclops, Nolan’s adaptation begins during the final stretch of Odysseus’ journey.

Based on Homer’s ancient Greek poem, ‘The Odyssey’ blends mythology with historical events. While monsters, gods, and magic belong to legend, historians believe a conflict likely occurred between the ancient Greeks and the people of Anatolia (modern-day Turkey), where Troy was located. The poem is believed to combine real battles, raids, and rivalries into the legendary 10-year Trojan War.

When does ‘The Odyssey’ take place?

The story begins around 1200 BC, shortly after the Trojan War ends. The events of Homer’s epic happens over the next decade, meaning Odysseus spends 20 years away from his family by the time he finally returns home, 10 years fighting in Troy and another 10 years trying to reach Ithaca.

What was the Trojan war about?

The Trojan War began with Helen, known as “the face that launched a thousand ships.”

Helen (played by Lupita Nyong’o in Nolan’s film) was considered the most beautiful woman in the world and was married to Menelaus, the king of Sparta. During Menelaus’ absence, Paris, a prince of Troy, visited Sparta. Stories differ on whether Paris convinced Helen to leave with him or abducted her, though Homer presents it as a romantic escape.

Furious over losing his wife, Menelaus convinced his brother Agamemnon, king of Mycenae, to lead a Greek army against Troy to bring Helen back.

The battle lasted 10 years and ended with the Greeks defeating Troy, because of Odysseus’ famous Trojan horse strategy.

What was the Trojan horse?

The phrase “Trojan horse” has become a modern expression for something that appears harmless but hides a threat.

In the original story, it refers to a massive hollow wooden horse built by the Greeks. Odysseus and several soldiers hid inside it while the Greeks pretended to retreat from Troy.

A Greek soldier named Sinon was left behind and convinced the Trojans that the horse was a gift to the goddess Athena. Believing it was a peace offering, the Trojans brought the horse inside their city walls and celebrated their victory.

That night, while Troy slept, Odysseus and his men emerged from the horse, opened the city gates, and allowed the Greek army to enter, leading to Troy’s downfall.

What happens after the Trojan war?

After 10 years away, Odysseus finally begins his journey back to Ithaca. However, his return is far from easy.

Along the way, he faces mythical dangers including:

• The Cyclops Polyphemus, whom Odysseus blinds with a wooden stake

• The Sirens, whose enchanting songs lure sailors to their deaths
• Circe, a sorceress who transforms men into pigs
• Sea monsters and dangerous waters
• Calypso, a nymph who keeps Odysseus trapped on her island for seven years because she wants him to become her immortal husband

Fortunately, Odysseus has the protection of Athena, the goddess of wisdom, who guides him through his struggles.

What is happening back in Ithaca?

While Odysseus is away, Penelope waits for his return.

When Odysseus left, Penelope was a teenager. By the time he returns, she is in her 30s and has spent years surrounded by dozens of wealthy suitors who believe Odysseus is dead.

The suitors stay in Odysseus’ palace, hoping Penelope will marry one of them. They also plan to kill her son Telemachus and claim the throne of Ithaca.

But Penelope refuses to give up on her husband. She finds clever ways to delay the suitors, remaining loyal despite years of uncertainty.

What is Zeus’ law?

A major concept in ‘The Odyssey’ is Zeus’ Law, also known as the ancient Greek tradition of hospitality.

The rule states that hosts must provide food and shelter to travelers, while guests must respect their hosts and not abuse their generosity. Breaking this tradition was considered dangerous because a stranger arriving at your door could potentially be a god in disguise.

How is ‘The Odyssey’ connected to ‘The Iliad’?

Both epics were written by Homer and share several characters, including Odysseus.

‘The Iliad’ acts as a prequel, focusing on the final weeks of the Trojan War, with Achilles as its central hero and Odysseus appearing as a supporting character.

‘The Odyssey’ begins around 10 years after the events of The Iliad, following Odysseus’ dangerous journey home.

Did Odysseus kill his father and marry his mother?

No. That story belongs to Sophocles’ tragedy ‘Oedipus Rex’, not Homer’s ‘The Odyssey’.

Odysseus’ story is about war, survival, loyalty, and the search for home, not patricide or accidental marriage to his mother.