Many of us grew up reading Homer’s classic novel, The Odyssey, in our high school classes. The epic tales of mythological creatures and almighty gods are set to come to the big screen in the anticipated Christopher Nolan film, The Odyssey.
To better prepare ourselves for the highly anticipated film set to hit theatres on July 17, 2026, it is important to refresh our memories of some of the Greek gods and goddesses who will be making an appearance in the film.
What better way to learn more about the Greek gods than to compare and see which god or goddess you are most alike? Let’s dive right in!
What is The Odyssey?
The Odyssey, written by Homer, follows the King of Ithaca, Odysseus (Matt Damon), as he finds his way home after the Trojan War. Odysseus’ journey home is not a simple task due to all sorts of altercations with mythical beings. Odysseus is away from Ithaca for twenty years, fighting every day to return to his wife, Penelope (Anne Hathaway), and his son, Telemachus (Tom Holland).
Twenty years is a long time to be away from home when you are a ruler. The people of Ithaca grow antsy and wish to take the throne. Odysseus’ loyal wife and son do everything in their power to hold the throne for as long as they can, but power-hungry suitors continue to flood through the gates of Ithaca.
The suitors grow restless as they wait to see who will marry Penelope and take over Ithaca. Penelope decides to host a competition for her hand in marriage to keep the suitors occupied; she has not given up hope that Odysseus will return.
After the Trojan War, Odysseus and his men are met with many obstacles as they are desperate to reach Ithaca and see their families again. Odysseus encounters many Greek gods and goddesses on his journey; some are friends, while others are foes.
That brings us to an important question: who exactly are the Greek gods and goddesses that appeared in The Odyssey? And more importantly, which Greek god do you most closely resemble?
Zeus
Are you a natural-born leader? Are you confident and assertive? Perhaps a bit controlling at times? Do you enjoy watching thunder and lightning storms? If you said yes, then you might be Zeus, the god of thunder!
Zeus has many names: “God of the Sky,” “God of Lightning,” or “King of Gods.” He is the ruler of Mount Olympus, which is home to many of the Greek gods and goddesses.
As the ruler of the sky, he controls thunder and lightning. He is often depicted holding a mighty lightning bolt that the Cyclops forged for him. This weapon allows Zeus to send extremely powerful bolts of lightning at his targets.
His symbolic animal, the Eagle, is a bold animal that represents power, authority, and a loyal and watchful eye within the sky. Zeus used an eagle as a messenger during battles. The eagle would deliver lightning bolts to Zeus. These fierce birds are also associated with victory during battles.
Zeus has a significant role in The Odyssey, acting as a mediator during the raging feud between the Greek gods Athena and Poseidon. Zeus’ power and authority make him the perfect judge who oversees the fate of the characters within The Odyssey.
Athena
Are you a problem solver? Do you plan ahead and think before you act? Are you a quick and observant learner? Perhaps a bit competitive? If you said yes, then you must be Athena, the goddess of wisdom!
In Greek mythology, Athena was born directly from her father, Zeus’s head, which is why she was deemed intellectual, strategic, and disciplined.
Athens, a city in Greece, is named after Athena after she won a competition against Poseidon. In mythology, Athena gifted the Athenians an olive tree, while Poseidon gifted them a saltwater well. The Athenians determined that the olive tree was more beneficial for their city, so they named Athena the patron of Athens.
Within Athens, there were depictions of owls on statues and carved onto their coins. The owl is Athena’s fierce companion who symbolizes knowledge and insight. Owls have the ability to see in the dark, so Athena associates their gift with her own ability to see the truth, even within the darkness of deception. Athena also chose an Owl for their foresight and strategic abilities, which assisted Athena on the battlefield and in planning war strategies.
Within The Odyssey, Athena (played by Zendaya) plays a key role in assisting Odysseus on his journey home. She offers her guidance and assistance throughout the story, aiding Penelope and Telemachus in Ithaca.
Poseidon
Are you overly protective of the people you care about? Do you love to swim and spend time at the ocean? Do you hold grudges? Perhaps you have a bit of a temper? If you said yes, then you are Poseidon, the god of the sea!
Poseidon is the god of the sea, throughout mythology, Poseidon is also known as “Earth-Shaker,” because he is the cause of harsh storms and unforgiving earthquakes. These unpredictable weather conditions match Poseidon’s impulsive and temperamental personality.
One of Poseidon’s many names is “Father of Horses,” because he created horses. Not only is Poseidon credited for the creation of horses, but he also created the Pegasus (a mythical horse with wings) and Hippocampi (a mythical sea-horse). These animals can be associated with Poseidon, and he is often depicted riding a horse or a hippocampus.
Poseidon is depicted with a mighty trident by his side. This three-pronged spear was forged by Cyclops and is a powerful weapon used to control the ocean and create earthquakes and storms.
Throughout The Odyssey, Poseidon is one of the main antagonists, prohibiting Odysseus from returning to Ithaca. Poseidon is clouded by vengeance and rage after Odysseus blinds his son, Polyphemus. He will stop at nothing to deter Odysseus from returning home to Ithaca. Poseidon and Athena have a long history of feuds in Greek mythology. Yet again, the two gods are at odds, fighting for different parties within The Odyssey as Odysseus makes his return to Ithaca.
Circe
Are you a charismatic person? Would you consider yourself perceptive? Do you have boundaries set and difficulty trusting others? Perhaps you prefer animals over humans? If you said yes, then you might relate to Circe, the goddess of sorcery!
Circe is a sorceress who could conjure illusions and necromancy. She uses potions and herbs to conjure up all sorts of trouble, such as metamorphic abilities, which allow her to transform humans into animals.
Circe resides on the isolated island, Aeaea. Her island is home to docile wolves and lions that wander the island and protect her. The goddess of sorcery was also known as “Lady of the Beasts,” because she was always seen surrounded by wolves and mountain lions.
The wolves and lions that are loyal to Circe were once human; these animals are victims to Circe’s magical potions that turned humans into animals. The men were drugged and transformed into her most loyal companions; they are persuaded to keep her company and to protect her.
Circe becomes a prominent obstacle for Odysseus and his men in The Odyssey. The sorceress enthralls and drugs Odysseus’ men, making their journey back to Ithaca more difficult.
Calypso
Would you consider yourself charming and romantic? Are you a sensitive person? Do you like long walks on a secluded beach? Perhaps a bit clingy or possessive? If you said yes, then you must be Calypso, the nymph sea goddess!
Calypso is a water Nymph who lives on the island of Ogygia. There are various mythological depictions of the origins of Calypso. One depiction is that Calypso was punished by the gods for her involvement and support during the Titan War.
The gods punished Calypso and trapped her on Ogygia, cursed to forever be alone. She is beautiful and charming, yet she is doomed to always be abandoned by any companion that washes up on her island.
However, in The Odyssey, Homer never states there is a curse keeping Calypso trapped on Ogygia. Instead, Calypso keeps Odysseus on Ogygia for seven years because she is in love with him.
Calypso offers Odysseus immortality and endless love if he stays with her, but he does ultimately leave her like all the others do.
Helios
Would you consider yourself prideful and hardworking? Do you like having authority and being respected? Perhaps your pride might blind your judgment at times? Do you love to watch the sunrise? If you said yes, then you might relate to Helios, the sun god!
Helios has an important role in Greek mythology; every day, he drives his sun chariot across the sky and carries light and warmth to the world.
Helios becomes another major antagonist in The Odyssey after Odysseus and his men offend him. While Odysseus and his men are traveling back to Ithaca, they make a stop on the island of Thrinacia. This island is home to Helios, and within the island are large herds of cattle.
Odysseus is warned to never harm or eat the cattle, no matter how tempting it may be for him and his men. Yet some of Odysseus’ men ignore the warning and kill the cattle because they are starving.
Helios is enraged and demands that Odysseus and his men be punished accordingly for this outrageous offense. Zeus enacted justice for Helios and struck down Odysseus’ ship and any man who ate the cattle.
Hermes
Are you great at talking yourself out of any situation? Would you say you are clever and charismatic? Perhaps you can be a bit manipulative? Do you have a hard time relaxing because you are always on the go? If you said yes, then you must be Hermes, the messenger god!
The messenger god has many names throughout Greek mythology. He is also known as the “God of Trade,” “God of Thieves,” and “God of Travels.”
Hermes is fast and has the ability to fly with magical winged sandals. He travels to Olympus, the mortal world, and the Underworld as a prime source of communication. Hermes was also tasked with assisting souls traveling from the mortal world to the Underworld.
Hermes plays a significant role in The Odyssey. He aided in Odysseus’ rescue during a few of his troubled encounters. He disguised himself and gave Odysseus advice, along with a herb of protection, when he faced Circe.
The Messenger God was also sent by Zeus to the island of Ogygia. After seven long years of being trapped on the island, Zeus decided that Odysseus should have a chance of returning to Ithaca. He sends Hermes to Ogygia to talk with Calypso and aid Odysseus with his departure.
Which Greek God Are You?
Now that we have broken down some of the Greek gods and goddesses that make an appearance in The Odyssey, you are better prepared to sit back and watch The Odyssey in theaters on July 17, 2026!
Were you surprised by some of the characteristics of the Greek gods? It is time to take into consideration which Greek god or goddess you relate to the most.
Are you wise and calculating like Athena? Or perhaps you are prideful and hardworking like Helios?
Share your results in the comments! Perhaps you will be surprised by how many others relate to your shared personality traits with the mythical gods.
