Sylvain Tesson Retraces Homer’s Odyssey

Sylvain Tesson is following in the footsteps of Victor Bérard, who early in the 20th century attempted to reconstruct the journey of Ulysses. Tesson practices what Fernand Braudel termed “mythological geography”, seeking traces of time within the natural world.

This involves deciphering the enduring marks of history and legend embedded in landscapes. Tesson’s approach emphasizes experiencing the journey as a treasure hunt, enriching reality with the poetry it inspires.

He suggests that anyone aware of life’s impermanence can learn to read these historical signs. This pursuit connects to a larger cultural moment, including a new film by Christopher Nolan focused on the hero of Ithaca and a special issue of Le Figaro dedicated to exploring The Odyssey. The work aims to bring a sense of adventure and poetic understanding to the geographical locations featured in Homer’s epic.