The science behind the myth: Homer's 'Odyssey' - Matt Kaplan

Homer's "Odyssey" recounts the adventures of the Greek hero Odysseus during his journey home from the Trojan War. Though some parts may be based on real events, the encounters with monsters, giants and magicians are considered to be complete fiction. But might there be more to these myths than meets the eye? Matt Kaplan explains why there might be more reality behind the "Odyssey" than many realize.

Lesson by Matt Kaplan, animation by Mike Schell.

[matthewlaing]

I've always heard the plant Hermes gives Odysseus was "Holy Moly" hence where we get the expression from

[Germania]

So Odysseus and his crew were high the whole time? Does this explain how they meet a Cyclops or listen to Sirens?

[iamclassicforlife]

Please can you do more episodes like this? Uncovering the truths in myths and legends?

[Rustyrc]

Is it possible that the telling of the Odyssey was a way for people to remember how to take care of themselves, when not every home had manuscripts or every town a healer? If you tell this tale to children, as they go through life they remember how Odysseus overcame his obstacles and therefore can overcome their own.

[MrFuntzel]

I think all fables and stories hide a truth in them that people often do not attempt to look for or consider. As language, slang and poetic meaning changes throughout the centuries, many of the old stories we have heard and thought of as entirely made up possibly hide very important truths and knowledge within them.

[maxim]

So, Odysseus and his pals went on a drug vacation, and The Odyssey turns out to be an encrypted map with all the addresses of recommended dealers? Wow. Never thought of that. Pretty cool stuff.

[elphaba]

"To good to be true". That pretty much sums up most of the Greek mythos

[fignewtonof]

They was popping Molly back in Odyssey's time ?!?

[adityakhanna]

When the lesson writer narrates, it always makes me feel better... a change, once in a while, is good

[calebhowells]

Tim Severin attempted to recreate the journey in an authentic boat from the era, and he identified numerous real features along the way which could have led to the legendary features in the story

[polivier]

I want more of this. Explain the whole book!

[DayzO]

Odysseus aka Man of Many Devices. Or should I say "Nobody"...

[KateKongummibears]

I just love the way you guys make everything so simple to understand.

[cliospitzer]

Love it! I study archeology, so at University this is considered to be basic knowledge, it's great to see, that so many people watch and like these videos. Hopefully this will make people like me getting less bullied in school, because greek mythology is definitely not boring or useless.

[maymiller]

Oh My God I've been binge watching all of these and now its the end I NEED MORE GUYS

[Jamil]

Very interesting. This shows how myth, legend, stories and reality are conected at a certsin degree. I immediately remembered about the "snowdrop" from Stardust having similar "counter effect" to an ailment as stated here.

[MoCaJr]

This story gives an entirely new meaning to "popping molly".

[Krisostomo]

this should be a series for other fictional stories it would be awesome

[jodracona]

If you want to know more about the herbs given by Hermes and similar truths behind myths, I highly suggest you read “Science of the Magical” by Matt Kaplan. It’s very good and quite witty. It feels not like a textbook or a scientific report, but rather a series of stories, told by someone with a joyous fascination.

[kevinjjohnson]

An excellent connection of the ancient masterpiece with contemporary science.