I have virtually zero knowledge of The Odyssey as a Greek mythology, save for a few recognisable names like the Helen of Troy, the Trojan War etc. I do want to enjoy the movie to its fullest, and if learning about the plot material is essential to it, then so be it. Is there a good resource giving a summarized version of the plot enough to understand the film? If so, I would really appreciate it if you shared it here.
Most of the people around aren't aware of other myths that give context to the Trojan War. It started from feast at Olimp where lesser deity placed at a table golden apple signed with dedication "for the most beautiful"
Three goddesses claimed the rights to it - Hera, Athena and Aphrodite. They picked a mortal moron to be the judge - that moron was Paris. Hera offered him wealth, Athena wisdom, and Aphrodite prettiest laid in the world. Paris being the moron he was picked laid and gave apple to Aphrodite.
The laid happened to be the Helen od Troy. Paris abducted her, or maybe she fell for him under Aphrodite influence and ran away with him, doesn't matter, this started a war.
Read "Ulysses" by James Joyce. That'll explain everything! /s Just watch the movie and enjoy, you don't need to study up on it (although you may want to after seeing it). The Aeneid is a good follow up read.
You don't need to do anything, at all. I will tell you, the girl who captures Odysseus is named Calypso. She's a nymph, not a full god. That was the only thing I didn't know. You already know who Zeus and Poseidon are.
i'd think the point of any good film is to be a self-contained experience. a huge film like this is meant to be seen by everyone, no matters their knowledge on greek mythology.
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