The Odyssey, written by Homer and brought to life by Christopher Nolan, is an action-packed saga of a great warrior and adventurer. But it is also an allegory for life in general. We don’t have Sirens or Cyclops or whirlpools or the wrath of Poseidon in our lives, but there are a myriad of parallels. Rarely did the men get to dock and while their days away under palm trees sipping cool beverages. The warriors were rowing almost incessantly. This is the work we show up for every day, the sometimes exciting but mostly predictable day in, day out rhythm of our employment. They sailed for years on end. Half the battle is just showing up for work.
We have intermittent challenges just like Odysseus. In place of Sirens who tempt us with their song, we have excessive alcohol, smoking, overeating, porn, adultery, and gambling to tempt us. Our Cyclops feat can be graduating from a difficult college program, raising kids alone, finishing a marathon, or completing the build of a house with workers who show up only sometimes.
In some cases we know there is a huge danger up ahead of us, but we go for it anyway. Some women know that a pregnancy can be especially risky for their health, yet they take their chances. Mountain climbers try to avoid bad weather, but they judge the thrill to be worth the risk.
One intimidating struggle lurking ahead is univerally familiar, and there is no way to reach the finish line other than going straight through the eye of the storm. For the lucky who haven’t passed away prematurely, the path to death runs through decades of old age, which can be mentally and physically debilitating as our bodies wear out.
Our last chapters can be rewarding, just as Odysseus eventually reunites with his wife and son. The fortunate among us are at peace on their deathbeds knowing that they contributed to the well-being of the world with their life’s work. There are finally no more trials to pass through as relatives and friends send them off on their journey to the Underworld.
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