The Odyssey Was Never About the Gods
This article explores the themes of humanity and survival in Christopher Nolan's adaptation of The Odyssey. It argues that the original epic serves as a tool for humans to find meaning in the face of unpredictable chaos.
Why it matters
It provides a cultural critique of how modern media reinterprets ancient literature to reflect contemporary human experiences.
Christopher Nolan’s largely deity-free blockbuster adaptation only highlights the humanity of the original.
Heritage Art Images / Getty July 17, 2026, 8 AM ET Share Save If you lived in the Bronze Age and were sailing the wine-dark sea, you’d soon understand the need for gods. You don’t know about low-pressure systems or atmospheric circulation, about ocean currents or the contours of the seafloor. You know only that the sky has darkened, the wind has shifted, and the waters have begun to rise. The sudden appearance of thunder, lightning, and towering waves crashing against the hull demand an explanation: gods. Zeus and Poseidon are at it again—one hurling thunderbolts, the other whipping the sea into a frenzy. Or perhaps Athena has withdrawn her protection. You offered sacrifice before setting sail. Maybe one bull wasn’t enough?
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