Emily Wilson is retranslating 'The Odyssey' - all over again

Key Points:

• Emily Wilson, known for her acclaimed 2017 translation of Homer’s “The Odyssey,” is creating a complete retranslation rather than a revision, aiming to address flaws and better reflect the poem’s social nuances.
• Her decision to retranslate within a decade of her original work is unusual and controversial, with her publisher supporting the new edition as a thrilling scholarly endeavor despite potential challenges for educators.
• Wilson’s translation gained fame for its modern accessibility but also sparked debate over perceived “wokeness,” and she has publicly criticized Christopher Nolan’s film adaptation inspired by her work as grandiose and incoherent.
• Alongside the new translation, Wilson is releasing a collection of essays, “Crossing the Wine-Dark Sea,” which critiques other modern translations and explores themes like ancient Greek culture’s reinterpretation and the relevance of Stoicism today.
• Wilson expresses skepticism about popular works like Rick Riordan’s “Percy Jackson” series, criticizing its ideological framing, and frequently draws connections between ancient and contemporary culture, highlighting the enduring relevance of classical themes.