10 Things You Didn't Know About Super Mario Odyssey
1. It Was Based On A 3000 Year-Old Poem
Well, very loosely, but still.
The Odyssey is one of the oldest poems in existence, one of the two ancient works accredited to the Ancient Greek poet Homer. Being almost 3000 years (the poem is often dated to 800 BC, but parts probably existed in the verbal tradition before then), it's unsurprising that the poem's influence can still be felt on pop culture today. After all, the most famous Simpson was named after the ancient poet, but it's perhaps more surprising to see a cornerstone of European classical history making its way into a Mario game.
Still, it's impossible to deny the influence Homer's classic has had on Nintendo's very own Odyssey. After all, the two pieces of art share a name!
Homer's epic follows the ancient hero and soon-to-be-king Odyssey as he travels from mysterious land to mysterious land on his way back from war, noting his adventures as he encounters mysterious beasts, monsters, and men. All the while, a number of pretenders to the throne line up in attempt to steal his bride while the hero is out at sea.
Super Mario Odyssey follows Mario as he travels from mysterious land to mysterious land , encountering mysterious beasts (Cookatiel), monsters (Chargin' Chucks), and men (the eerily realistic residents of New Donk City). All the while, Bowser attempts to force Peach to be his wife.
And for those still in doubt -- again, they share the same freaking name!
Good on Nintendo for making classical poems still relevant to this day.
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