Jul 12, 2026 · 53 min

Scholars debate the modern power of the Odyssey ahead of Nolan film

What’s Epic About the ‘Odyssey’? Everything.

As a major Hollywood adaptation looms, the creators shaping how we read ancient myths today reveal how translating and reclaiming these stories keeps their themes of trauma and hospitality alive.

3 key takeaways

1Emily Wilson translated the epic into iambic pentameter to capture the rhythmic, oral performance style of the original ancient Greek.
2Madeline Miller wrote Circe to explore the goddess's agency and perspective beyond her traditional portrayal as a simple femme fatale.
3The guests believe a Hollywood adaptation must preserve the central themes of hospitality and the perspectives of marginalized characters.

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Emily Wilson reads a dramatic passage from her translation depicting the terrifying encounter with Scylla and Charybdis.

The brief

With director Christopher Nolan adapting the Odyssey for the big screen, classicist Emily Wilson and novelist Madeline Miller join host Natalie Kitroeff to discuss why Homer's ancient epic still commands our attention thousands of years later.

Translating a classic requires bold creative choices. Emily Wilson describes her decision to translate the poem into iambic pentameter, recreating the natural rhythm of oral performance to make the terrifying journey feel immediate and alive.

Modern adaptations also allow creators to reclaim overlooked perspectives. Madeline Miller explains how her novel Circe was born from a desire to give the mythological goddess agency and depth beyond her traditional depiction as a simple villain.

The guests address the online backlash and trolling that often target new translations. They argue these criticisms usually stem from modern culture wars rather than actual engagement with the text, proving how deeply people still claim ownership of these myths.

Ultimately, the enduring power of the Odyssey lies in its complex characters and timeless themes. As Hollywood prepares its blockbuster version, the guests reflect on the central ancient Greek value of hospitality and welcoming the stranger.

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