IN PHOTOS: Watching The Odyssey? Check 5 fascinating facts about the Greek epic
Updated On: 17 July, 2026 04:56 PM IST | Nascimento Pinto
As Indians across the country and the world get ready to watch The Odyssey, which released on July 17, here's all you need to know about the story that inspired the Christopher Nolan film starring Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, Zendaya, and Charlize Theron


Who wrote Odyssey?
Odyssey is one of two major Greek mythology epic known to be popularly written by Homer, an ancient Greek poet, who is also credited with writing the Iliad, which is the second one.
However, Nolan, inspired by the original text, used Emily Wilson's 2017 translated version with its contemporary version, as the basis of his film

Who is The Odyssey about?
The Odyssey is about Odysseus, the king of Ithaca, and his journey home after winning the Trojan War in Troy, which was ten years long, and takes another 10 years to get home, after he angers Poseidon, who is the ancient Greek god of the sea and storms, when he blinds his son Polyphemus, the Cyclops.
Taking so long to get home, he is assumed to be dead, as his wife Penelope, and son Telemachus, wait for him at home, as suitors try to marry and take over the kingdom, before his triumphant return

Who are the main characters of The Odyssey?
While the Odyssey is popularly divided into 24 books and has many different characters from Greek mythology, some of the most popular characters you need to know about are Odysseus, Penelope, Telemachus, Antinous and Calypso, and how they are at the centre of his journey back home

What are the themes of The Odyssey?
Some of the most popular themes of The Odyssey are homecoming, friendship, loyalty, pride and among that are showcased through many different characters in the epic that is beautifully immersive

What are the different kinds of literature about The Odyssey?
Some of the most popular books written and read by readers around the world include James Joyce's Ulysses, Margaret Atwood’s The Penelopiad and Stephen Fry's Odyssey.
Some of the most popular films about The Odyssey include 'The Odyssey' (1997), O Brother Where Art Thou? (2000), Keyhole (2011), among others including Christopher Nolan's 'The Odyssey'
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