Who is Sinon, Elliot Page’s character in The Odyssey?

Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of Homer’s ancient Greek epic the Odyssey has a star-studded cast, including trans actor Elliot Page.

When news of Page’s casting first emerged, a number of right-wing pundits were left furious, as it was rumoured that he would be playing the mythological character of Achilles. Nolan has since branded the backlash to The Odyssey “irrelevant”.

Page, who is dating Overcompensating star Julia Shiplett, is actually set to play the character of Sinon.

But, if you’re unfamiliar with the Odyssey, who is Sinon, and what is his significance?

Who is Sinon in The Odyssey?

Sinon is a Greek soldier in Greek mythology, who fought alongside cousin Odysseus (played by Matt Damon in the film) in the Trojan War.

His story is not actually mentioned in Homer’s writings, but he is described in Virgil’s Aeneid as a treacherous agent of the Greeks, who tricked the Trojans.

In Aeneid, Sinon is found outside Troy, claiming to have been deserted by the Greeks. He tells the Trojans that a giant wooden horse left outside the city was a gift to the gods from the Greeks, to ensure them a safe travel home.

He told the Trojans that the horse was made too big to bring into the city, as if they did, it would grant them invincibility to a later invasion from the Greeks.

Trojan priestess Cassandra advised them not to bring the horse in, though she was condemned to never be believed by the god Apollo as she did not return his love. Laocoön also advised against it, but the Trojans ignored him as he was strangled by two water serpents, which they deemed punishment for attacking the horse.

This led to the Trojans bringing it into the city and, as most people will know, therefore bringing in Greek soldiers, who were hidden inside.

Once inside the city walls, the soldiers waited for nightfall and then opened the gates, which led to the downfall of Troy.

Where else does Sinon appear?

Sinon is also mentioned in Quintus of Smyrna, as being found by the Trojans at a deserted Greek camp.

He does not answer their questions, so they cut off his ears and nose. Sinon then shares the story of the horse, also saying that Odysseus wanted to sacrifice him, but he managed to escape.

Again, Laocoön is attacked by a sea serpent after telling the Trojans not to bring in the horse, with the Trojans believing he had offended the gods.

Does Sinon die in The Odyssey?

Spoiler alert, obviously, but according to the film’s plot, Sinon is killed during the Trojan Horse ordeal. His death is confirmed in a Roger Ebert review.

However Odysseus later speaks to the spirit of Sinon, who warns him of what is happening in Ithaca while Odysseus is away.

The Odyssey is out in cinemas on 17 July.

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