Why Emily Wilson is obsessed with Homer
2026-10-26
Emily Wilson is the first woman to translate The Odyssey into English. Emily is passionate about making Homer and the Classics accessible to everyone, and she wears her love for them on her sleeve, almost literally!
Watch the video version of this episode on the RNZ website on YouTube or TVNZ+.
Season 2 Episode 6
Emily Wilson's new book Crossing the Wine-Dark Sea is published by Profile/Allen & Unwin.
In this episode:
(02:48) The art of translation: revisiting The Odyssey
(08:58) The Odyssey’s relevance today
(12:08) Misinterpretations
(14:57) Classics in modern society
(21:01) Christopher Nolan's adaptation
(26:50) Understanding Homer
(34:38) Sappho and the ambiguity of desire
(39:14) Was Helen of Troy a victim or a villain?
(48:31) Tattoos
(52:25) The challenges of translation
- No. of episodes
- 18
- Latest episode
- 2026-10-26
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Kim Hill is back asking questions in her inimitable style. She has conversations with guests from around the world about topics that spark her interest and will do the same for you.