A current wave of interest in Odysseus, fueled by Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, may misrepresent the ancient hero relative to Homer’s original portrayal, especially when compared to Xenophon’s more grounded Anabasis.

Readers are encouraged to turn to Xenophon’s Anabasis for a more authentic sense of ancient Greek military experience and leadership, noting that Xenophon’s account is well-documented and considered true.

A comparison with Homer’s epic and Xenophon’s historical narrative is drawn, suggesting that works like Band on the Run: Xenophon and the First Great Mercenary Army’s Epic Escape from Persia could have highlighted these parallels for those seeking a ‘real Odysseus.’

The piece observes a surge in Odyssey editions and sales in recent months, but cautions that the film offers an ahistorical, simplified view of ancient attitudes toward combat and conquest.