Christopher Nolan’s much-awaited epic The Odyssey has brought several legendary figures from Greek mythology to the big screen, but one character has especially caught the attention of fans. It is none other than Sinon, played by Elliot Page.
When the first glimpses of the film surfaced, many viewers speculated that Page could be playing Achilles, one of the greatest warriors of Greek mythology. However, the character turned out to be Sinon, a lesser-known but important figure connected to the story of the Trojan Horse.
So, who is Sinon in Greek mythology, and why is his role significant in Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey? Here’s everything you need to know.
Who Is Sinon In The Odyssey?
In Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, Elliot Page plays Sinon, a Greek soldier who fights alongside Odysseus (Matt Damon) during the Trojan War.
In Greek mythology, Sinon is connected to Odysseus and is best remembered for his role in the legendary Trojan Horse plan. However, his story is not actually mentioned in Homer’s Odyssey. Instead, Sinon appears prominently in Virgil’s Aeneid, where he is portrayed as a Greek soldier who uses deception to help his army defeat Troy.
What Did Sinon Do In The Trojan War?
According to mythology, after years of fighting during the Trojan War, the Greeks appeared to abandon their mission and leave behind a massive wooden horse outside the gates of Troy. Sinon was found by the Trojans near the abandoned Greek camp. He claimed that he had been left behind by the Greeks and presented himself as a victim.
He then convinced the Trojans that the wooden horse was not a weapon but an offering to the gods. Sinon told them that the horse was built too large to be taken inside Troy because the Greeks wanted to prevent the Trojans from gaining power over them.
Despite warnings from others, the Trojans believed Sinon’s story and brought the wooden horse inside their city walls. The decision proved disastrous.
Hidden inside the horse were Greek soldiers, who waited until nightfall before opening the city gates for their army. This eventually led to the fall of Troy.
Did Anyone Warn The Trojans About Sinon?
According to mythology, not everyone believed Sinon’s story. Trojan priestess Cassandra warned the people of Troy not to bring the horse into the city. However, her warnings were ignored because she had been cursed by the god Apollo to never be believed.
Another Trojan figure, Laocoön, also warned against accepting the horse. He famously questioned the Greek gift and urged the Trojans to destroy it. However, when Laocoön attacked the horse, two sea serpents emerged and killed him and his sons. The Trojans believed this was a sign from the gods and took it as confirmation that the horse was sacred.
Where Else Does Sinon Appear In Greek Mythology?
Apart from Virgil’s Aeneid, Sinon is also mentioned in Quintus of Smyrna’s writings. In this version of the story, Sinon is discovered by the Trojans at the abandoned Greek camp. When he refuses to answer their questions, the Trojans reportedly cut off his ears and nose. He later tells them the story of the Trojan Horse and claims that Odysseus had planned to sacrifice him, but he escaped.
Does Sinon Die In Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey?
Spoiler alert: In Christopher Nolan’s adaptation, Sinon meets a tragic fate during the Trojan Horse sequence. His death is shown as a major moment in the film, marking a departure from traditional versions of the myth where Sinon survives the Trojan War.
However, Odysseus later encounters Sinon’s spirit during his journey to the Underworld. In this scene, Sinon reportedly warns Odysseus about events taking place in Ithaca while he is away. Not just this, he also forces the king to confront the consequences of the choices made during the war.
Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, starring Matt Damon as Odysseus and Anne Hathaway as Penelope, is now playing in cinemas.
