If you ask anyone to name the most famous adventure stories in Western history, The Odyssey will almost certainly come up.

Christopher Nolan’s epic modern adaptation of Homer’s tale, packed with battles on Greek islands, gods, and monsters, is currently captivating audiences in theaters starring Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, and Zendaya.

With dozens of characters, intricate side plots, and countless translations or retellings, knowing where to start with Greek mythology after watching the movie can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry, we’re here to help you appreciate Homer’s original story and give you the best book and screen recommendations to check out next.

At a Glance: The Odyssey Key Details

• Author: Homer (attributed)
• Originally Written: ~8th Century BC
• Genre: Ancient Greek Epic Poetry
• Main Themes: Cunning (metis), homecoming (nostos), and hospitality (xenia)
• Setting: Ancient Mediterranean, Troy, and Ithaca

A Quick Guide to Homer’s Odyssey

Attributed to the ancient poet Homer around the 8th century BC, The Odyssey is an ancient Greek epic poem. The story follows Odysseus, King of Ithaca, who spends 20 gruelling years trying to return home after the end of the Trojan War.

At its core, The Odyssey explores the importance of courage, intelligence, loyalty, and perseverance—especially through the Greek concept of nostos (the deep emotional journey home).

Key Characters

• Odysseus: The clever king of Ithaca who relies on cunning (metis) to overcome divine obstacles and reach home.
• Penelope: Odysseus’ faithful wife, who cleverly resists dozens of suitors invading her home and vying for her throne.
• Telemachus: Odysseus’ son, who grows into adulthood while searching for news of his missing father.
• Athena: The goddess of wisdom and strategic warfare, who acts as Odysseus’ divine protector.
• Poseidon: The god of the sea, who holds a fierce grudge against Odysseus and tries to destroy his fleet at every turn.

Plot Summary: Odysseus’ Epic Journey

After fighting in the Trojan War (famous for the legendary Trojan Horse strategy), Odysseus begins his journey home. Here are some of his most famous encounters along the way:

• The Cyclops (Polyphemus): Trapped in the cave of Polyphemus, a giant one-eyed Cyclops and son of Poseidon, Odysseus blinds the monster and sneaks his crew out by clinging to the bellies of Polyphemus’ sheep.
• The Lotus-Eaters: On this island, locals eat a magical lotus fruit that causes men to forget their homeland and lose all desire to return. Odysseus has to drag his crew back to the ship by force.
• Circe’s Island (Aeaea): The enchantress Circe turns Odysseus’ crew into pigs. Protected by a magical herb called moly (given to him by Hermes), Odysseus resists her spell, forces her to restore his men, and stays on her island for a year.
• The Sirens: To hear the beautiful, deadly song of the Sirens without drowning, Odysseus has his crew plug their ears with beeswax while he binds himself tightly to the ship’s mast.
• Scylla & Charybdis: Odysseus must navigate between two terrible sea perils: Scylla, a six-headed monster that devours sailors, and Charybdis, a deadly whirlpool.
• Calypso’s Island (Ogygia): The nymph Calypso holds Odysseus captive for seven years, offering him love and immortality if he stays as her husband. Bound by her divine power and lacking a ship or crew, Odysseus longs only for his home.

Finally, after 10 years at sea (and 20 years away from home in total), Odysseus reaches Ithaca, defeats the suitors invading his palace, and reunites with his family. There is a famous scene when he returns with his dog, pet lovers: prepare to need tissues.

What to Watch: Best Greek Mythology Movies & Shows

Looking for more films or series rooted in Greek mythology after watching Nolan’s movie? Here are three top recommendations:

• Troy (Film): Starring Brad Pitt and Orlando Bloom, this blockbuster covers the 10-year battle that directly precedes Odysseus’ journey home.
• Kaos (Netflix Series): A darkly funny modern reimagining of Greek mythology featuring Jeff Goldblum as a paranoid Zeus.
• Percy Jackson and the Olympians (Disney+ Series): A fun series based on the popular book series following a twelve-year-old demigod accused of stealing Zeus’ master lightning bolt.

What to Read After The Odyssey: Best Mythology Books

1. Beginner-Friendly Mythology Books

• The Odyssey Effect: How Homer’s Epic Poem Shaped the World by Erica Stevenson: Discover how Homer’s masterpiece shaped modern books, movies, games, and our concept of heroism.
• Greek Mythology: The Gods, Goddesses, and Heroes Handbook by Liv Albert: An easy-to-use “who’s who” guide to keep nearby as you read ancient myths.

2. Best Feminist Retellings & Female Perspectives

• Circe by Madeline Miller: Focuses on the enchantress Circe from The Odyssey, turning the mirror back on the gods and mortals who cross her path.
• The Women of Troy by Pat Barker: A haunting retelling of the aftermath of the Trojan War from the perspective of the women who survived it (the sequel to The Silence of the Girls).
• The Wolf Den (Trilogy) by Elodie Harper: A historical fiction series set in ancient Pompeii and Rome, centering on the lives of enslaved women.
• The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller: A moving retelling of Homer’s Iliad told from the perspective of Achilles’ close companion, Patroclus.

3. Classic Translations & Modern Retellings

• The Odyssey translated by Emily Wilson: A groundbreaking, highly acclaimed translation that brings fresh rhythm and clarity to Homer’s verse.
• The Odyssey by Liv Albert: A lively modern prose retelling covering the perilous sea voyages, monsters, and magical encounters of Homer’s epic.

4. Contemporary & YA Greek Retellings

• Dear Hades by Alyssa Roat & Hope Bolinger: A hilarious YA rom-com told entirely through instant messages and transcripts as Medusa and Tiresias attempt 21st-century dating.
• Bad Girls of Ancient Greece by Lizzy Tiffin: An entertaining guide to the iconic—and obscure—women of ancient Greek myth.
• The End Crowns All by Bea Fitzgerald: A queer love story between the infamous seer Cassandra and Helen of Troy

Frequently Asked Questions About The Odyssey

What is the main moral or message of The Odyssey?

The Odyssey highlights the values of metis (cunning and resourcefulness), nostos (the deep longing for home), and xenia (hospitality). Unlike Achilles in The Iliad, who relies on brute strength, Odysseus triumphs through patience, cleverness, and resilience.

Do you need to read The Iliad before The Odyssey?

No, you do not need to read The Iliad first. While The Iliad covers events during the Trojan War and The Odyssey takes place afterward, The Odyssey stands completely on its own as a self-contained story.

What is the best modern retelling of The Odyssey to start with?

For a loyal modern prose retelling, Liv Albert’s The Odyssey is very accessible. For an award-winning poetic translation, Emily Wilson’s translation is widely considered the best modern entry point. If you want a character-driven spinoff, Madeline Miller’s Circe focuses on the famous witch from Homer’s epic.

Which book or show are you adding to your list? Let us know over on Instagram!