“A fusion of East River history and Homeric myth.”  That’s how artist Alex Kahn described “Odysseus at Hell Gate”—the retelling of seven stories from Homer’s Odyssey that he and artist Sophia Michahelles (and their volunteers) created for Socrates Sculpture Park in New York City on August 29 2011.

On Monday August 29 2011, Odyssey-inspired costumed characters and giant puppets will become part of seven processionals into Socrates Sculpture Park in New York City.  The event is a re-telling and re-enacting of seven stories from Homer’s famous epic poem.  The project, Odysseus at Hell Gate, was created by artists Alex Kahn and Sophia Michahelles, with assistance from volunteers.  The artists make connections between Homer’s island stories featuring the Cyclops and the Sirens, and historical events taking place in and around the islands of New York City.  According to Shaun Leonard, director of public programs and community affairs for the Park, the scope of their ideas “was more than we would ever have expected.  It will be one of our biggest programs.”

If you are fortunate enough to hold a copy of The New York Times in your hands this weekend (August 21 2011), turn to the Travel Section.  You will be greeted with a stunning photograph of the waters off the coast of Turkey.  Look inside (pages 8 and 9) and you will find a retelling of the journey taken by New York Times travel reporter Matt Gross.  The entire top half of page 9 is devoted to another stunning photograph - this one of Kythira, an island off the coast of southern Greece near the famed Cape Meleas. 

“I should have got home at that time unharmed had not the North wind and the currents been against me as I was doubling Cape Malea, and set me off my course hard by the island of Cythera.” 

Words spoken by Odysseus in Homer’s Odyssey, Book 9, Samuel Butler translation (1900). 

The journey taken by Matt Gross was one without maps, guidebooks, personal contacts, or the Internet.  Like Odysseus, all Matt needed were the stars, some hospitality from island hosts—and a little divine guidance from Hermes.

Homer’s Odyssey begins in the tenth year of Odysseus’ ten-year journey home to Ithaca.  Prior to arriving home, Odysseus spent a few days on Scheria, the magical island of the Phaeacians. It was in Scheria that Odysseus met King Alcinous, Queen Arete, and their daughter Naussica.  And it was there that Odysseus re-told the stories that took place after departing Troy—stories we know today as the Wanderings of Odysseus. 

Those seeking to link the stops Odysseus made on his journey to actual locations in the modern world, typically connect Scheria with Corfu—an island off the western coast of Greece in the Ionian Sea. 

Thinking about visiting Greece and wondering where to go? Read Janie Robinson’s article in the Toronto Sun for ten reasons to include Corfu in your itinerary.

“It’s also a classic tale that should appeal to a wide array of viewers and if made on a grand scale, could be the highlight of the blockbuster season.”

Those are the words of Stuart Cummins in his Obsessed with Film column listing ten novels that should be adapted into film.  Cummins is referring to Homer’s Odyssey which appeared 5th on his list of ten.  Read the full story to find out his reasons for selecting the Odyssey, as well as the names of the other nine novels on his list.

Ancient Stories, Current Stories It was only a matter of time before the present would borrow from the past when it comes to the upcoming presidential election and the new characters.  David Boze, a talk radio host on 770 KTTH in Seattle, gives us The Trojan Horse in the form of Donald Trump.  “In ancient Greece, Odysseus gave the city of Troy a magnificent, larger than life gift of a wooden horse. Though it appeared solid from the outside, it was hollow and contained the seeds of Troy’s destruction.” 

If you could give Homer’s Odyssey a new title, what would you call it?  What about Homer’s Iliad?  Comedian Dan Wilbur did just that.  And not just for Homer’s epics, Dan also included a few famous Greek tragedies, as well as classics by the ancient Greek philosophers.  Have a look and see how many re-titled ancient classics you recognize.

Huffington Post recently asked their Facebook and Twitter friends and followers to name the books they enjoy rereading.  Their list includes 15 books, and Homer’s Odyssey is on that list.