Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
"Tell me about a complicated man," begins Emily Wilson's translation of Homer's Odyssey. When paired with the release of Christopher Nolan's "The Odyssey" in 2026, Wilson has quickly become one of the world's most famous translators. But why was Wilson drawn to ancient Greek epics like the Iliad and the Odyssey in the first place? And how do you know when an ancient work needs a new translation?
Britannica sat down with Emily Wilson to discuss retranslations, how to make ancient works accessible to modern audiences, and which of the poem's themes she was most drawn to.
Still curious about where this story came from? The Odyssey is an epic poem in 24 books traditionally attributed to the ancient Greek poet Homer. The poem is the story of Odysseus, king of Ithaca, who wanders for 10 years (although the action of the poem covers only the final six weeks) trying to get home after the Trojan War.
Learn more from Britannica:
Homer's Odyssey: britannica.com/topic/Odyssey-epic-by-Homer
Is the Odyssey a True Story? britannica.com/topic/Is-the-Odyssey-a-True-Story
What Armor Did the Heroes of the Odyssey Wear? britannica.com/topic/What-Armor-Did-the-Heroes-of-the-Odyssey-and-the-Iliad-Wear
Mapping the Journey of Odysseus: britannica.com/topic/Geography-of-Homers-Odyssey-Mapping-Odyssesuss-Epic-Voyage
Who's Who in Christopher Nolan's "The Odyssey": britannica.com/topic/Whos-Who-in-Christopher-Nolans-The-Odyssey
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#EncyclopaediaBritannica
Inspiring curiosity and the joy of learning since 1768.
Web: britannica.com
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"Tell me about a complicated man," begins Emily Wilson's translation of Homer's Odyssey. When paired with the release of Christopher Nolan's "The Odyssey" in 2026, Wilson has quickly become one of the world's most famous translators. But why was Wilson drawn to ancient Greek epics like the Iliad and the Odyssey in the first place? And how do you know when an ancient work needs a new translation?
Britannica sat down with Emily Wilson to discuss retranslations, how to make ancient works accessible to modern audiences, and which of the poem's themes she was most drawn to.
Still curious about where this story came from? The Odyssey is an epic poem in 24 books traditionally attributed to the ancient Greek poet Homer. The poem is the story of Odysseus, king of Ithaca, who wanders for 10 years (although the action of the poem covers only the final six weeks) trying to get home after the Trojan War.
Learn more from Britannica:
Homer's Odyssey: britannica.com/topic/Odyssey-epic-by-Homer
Is the Odyssey a True Story? britannica.com/topic/Is-the-Odyssey-a-True-Story
What Armor Did the Heroes of the Odyssey Wear? britannica.com/topic/What-Armor-Did-the-Heroes-of-the-Odyssey-and-the-Iliad-Wear
Mapping the Journey of Odysseus: britannica.com/topic/Geography-of-Homers-Odyssey-Mapping-Odyssesuss-Epic-Voyage
Who's Who in Christopher Nolan's "The Odyssey": britannica.com/topic/Whos-Who-in-Christopher-Nolans-The-Odyssey
~~~
#EncyclopaediaBritannica
Inspiring curiosity and the joy of learning since 1768.
Web: britannica.com
Facebook: facebook.com/Britannica
Twitter: twitter.com/Britannica
Instagram: instagram.com/Britannica
