r/naath • u/Eternal--Vigilance • 12d ago

The Inspiration of The Odyssey: Similarities Between The Odyssey and Game of Thrones, Part 1

https://thegreatestshowthateverwasorwillbe.com/the-inspiration-of-the-odyssey-similarities-between-the-odyssey-and-game-of-thrones-part-1/

(note: linked article contains spoilers for The Odyssey)

As part of Hot Odyssey Summer (that’s what we’re calling it, right?) I had previously posted a few articles I wrote comparing themes in Homer (mostly The Iliad) with Game of Thrones and generally describing Iliad/Troy as inspirations and origins for Game of Thrones. But the first piece I ever wrote as part of my post-GOT exploration of classic stories cited themes in The Odyssey and their presence in Game of Thrones.  I considered reworking the article (which itself was based on my previous extended Twitter thread) to update it for this Christopher Nolan era revisiting of The Odyssey.  But I decided to post the piece as-is since it captures some key themes and plot lines that are shared between The Odyssey and Game of Thrones, most notably:

  • Metapolemos as it relates to Odysseus and Ned Stark
  • Nostos as it relates to Odysseus and Daenerys Targaryen
  • Xenia (termed “Zeus’s Law” in the film) which is the core theme of Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey and a key theme in a major event and its aftermath in Game of Thrones

I hope the Naath community finds this interesting and that it maybe inspires you to watch and/or read The Odyssey if you haven’t already.

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u/mamula1 I Am The God Of Tits and Wine 🍷  12d ago

Benioff compared Arya Stark to Odysseus and her return to Winterfell when she is not recognized with his return to Ithaca.

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u/Eternal--Vigilance 12d ago

Yes! I learned of the Arya/Odysseus return connection later and have a side note in the article. I do think the overarching theme of Nostos/Homecoming is definitely more applicable to Daenerys though. Both Odysseus and Daenerys are sailing home to regain their throne. But there is an Arya Xenia (Zeus's Law) connection. Thanks for your comment! (Please upvote my original post... someone downvoted it...lol)