The Odyssey is a narrative epic poem of 12,109 lines about the extraordinary deeds of heroic characters. Epic heroes like Odysseus have superhuman strength and wisdom (god-like), and encounter gods or other superhuman forces. For more than 2,500 years, this has been part of the Greek canon.
Because most of the world could not read, orators learned the entire poem word for word, and traveled around performing it over a series of several days.
The 1997 miniseries is so far my favorite film version. The Greek Mythology unit I teach each fall semester is usually a favorite of 9th graders, especially for more hesitant readers.
I show brief portions of the miniseries as ninth graders read the Robert Fitzgerald (1961) translation. Suzanne Wilson describes this version as “The quintessential poetic and lyrical version. It features beautiful, sweeping Shakespearean-style rhythms and is beloved by those who primarily value the Odyssey as a work of musical poetry.”
Because it’s a little silly and doesn’t take itself too seriously, this miniseries works. There are enough spaces for consideration and pondering themes Homer suggests as universal. Student discussion is always really engaging and they begin to look for threads and themes.
If you are a purist, first read The Iliad, which explores the Trojan War and Fall of Troy. Then, read The Odyssey, and after this, watch the new Christopher Nolan film, or enjoy this miniseries.
I always marvel at how The Odyssey clearly examines Odysseus’ heroic qualities of courage and intelligence, along with celebrating Penelope as the ideal Greek woman: patient, faithful, loyal, and clever. Those values are noteworthy and always provide great discussion points for students.
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