Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey will be released in four weeks. Plenty of time to find out more about this historical epic.
On Tuesday, Eleven Labs announced it would release a new 13-hour version of the Homer classic “narrated” by Michael Caine. This version was entirely created by AI tools.
The AI audio company is using Caine’s voice to anchor a new version of “The Odyssey,” about 13 hours in length, weeks before Nolan’s new film hits theaters.
But with the appetite for Homer-related content seemingly on the rise, did the world need an AI version?
Initial reactions were not entirely positive. One reader wrote, “All the easy people to talk to didn’t get through, or what?” Another said: “I don’t understand why this was necessary. He doesn’t act anymore, but as far as I know, he hasn’t lost his voice, right? He should have done this in his pajamas instead of giving anyone any attention.”
Various translations of the printed book are available, along with numerous audio versions, none of which are official film tie-ins. Popular narrations include those read by Ian McKellen, Claire Danes, Dan Stevens, Stephen Fry, Anthony Heald, and Benedict Cumberbatch. All run times are 15 hours or less (except Heald’s version). There’s plenty of time to watch the movie.
Ian McKellen
Robert Fagles was awarded the PEN/Ralph Mannheim Medal for his translation published in 1999. Jasper Griffin, in a review for the New York Times, called the book “an outstanding achievement.” McKellen narrates the audiobook version, which runs 13 hours and 3 minutes. Listeners say, “McKellen brings the characters to life,” and “Ian McKellen perfectly captures Robert Fagles’ epic poetry.”
dan stevens
Robert Fitzgerald’s translation of Homer’s Odyssey ranks among the best modern versions. Fitzgerald’s version was published in 1961 and has been the standard translation for generations of students and poets. Stevens, who played “The Beast” in Disney’s live-action film “Beauty and the Beast” and Matthew Crawley in “Downton Abbey,” will lead the narration, and the listening time will reach 10 hours and 15 minutes.
Claire Danes
Emily Wilson was the first woman to translate this poem from ancient Greek into modern English. Her performance captures the poetic immediacy of the original text, allowing listeners to experience “The Odyssey” with an honesty and candor that few other versions have been able to achieve. The complete Danes audiobook spans 13 hours and 32 minutes.
stephen fry
The witty actor and comedian has published four books that reimagine Greek mythology. The final book in the series is The Odyssey, which follows the journey of Odysseus. The book comes with a 10 hour and 37 minute audio version narrated by him. The Guardian described his audiobook narration as “an extraordinary journey”.
benedict cumberbatch
The shortened version by BBC Radio 4 features an all-star cast. The play, adapted by poet Simon Armitage, stars Benedict Cumberbatch as Telemachus. Someone who has their own quest. The Independent on Sunday said the version was “as irresistible as gravity…so thrilling that you won’t even think about hitting the stop or pause button.” This 2004 version also stars Janet McTeer, John Lowe, and Frances Barber and has a running time of 3 hours and 49 minutes.
Anthony Held
Actor Heald has lent his voice to many audiobooks, including many from the “Star Wars” universe. Representative works include “Agents of Chaos I: Trial of a Hero” and “Iron Fist.” Heald has provided narration for both Homer’s classics, “The Odyssey” and “The Iliad.” Complete versions of both of his books can be found at:
25 hours 2 minutes. Based on the translation by WHD Rouse.
