In Artwork Across the Ages, Odysseus’ Myth Keeps Entrancing Audiences
The New York Times • • entertainment
Key Points:
- The recent release of Christopher Nolan’s film "The Odyssey" has renewed public interest in the ancient epic poem detailing King Odysseus' decade-long journey home after the Trojan War.
- Joel Christensen, a classics professor, highlights Odysseus' human qualities, noting he is portrayed as a clever man without divine powers, which contributes to the story's enduring appeal.
- Kenneth Lapatin, curator at the J. Paul Getty Museum, points out the wide range of ancient media depicting the Odyssey, including vases, silver, wall paintings, gems, and sculptures.
- The story of the Odyssey is described as a "palimpsest manuscript," continuously rewritten and reinterpreted by different societies, reflecting their unique cultural perspectives.
