Xixi Wang

Not ready to leave the gods, monsters, witches, and complicated heroes of “The Odyssey” behind?

We’ve got you covered. If watching the movie made you want to learn more or if you want a crash course before you go, dive into the world of Homer’s “Odyssey” with these 7 videos covering everything from the epic poem and the science behind it, to the ancient city of Troy and the Greek myths woven into the story:

1. Everything you need to know to read Homer’s “Odyssey”

An encounter with a man-eating giant. A sorceress who turns men into pigs. A long-lost king taking back his throne. On their own, any of these make great stories. But each is just one episode in the “Odyssey,” a 12,000-line poem spanning years of ancient Greek history and legend. So how do we make sense of this massive text? Jill Dash shares everything you need to know to read Homer’s “Odyssey.”

2. The tragedy of the one guy who was right about the Trojan Horse

Laocoön, a seer and priest, was deeply suspicious of the enormous wooden horse that the Greeks left in Troy and cautioned the Trojans not to accept this strange offering. But their fate was already sealed — the gods granted the Greeks victory and punished the priest for threatening their success. Noah Charney explores how Laocoön’s tragic tale inspired countless artists across the ancient world.

3. A tour of the ancient Greek Underworld

Achilles, just slain in the Trojan War, arrives in the Underworld and is greeted by Sibyl of Cumae— a prophetess and also the realm’s local guide. Though it gets a bad rap, Sibyl is determined to prove to the newcomer that hell is actually a lovely place to live; bursting with historic charm and eccentric neighbors. Iseult Gillespie takes a tour of the Underworld and its most infamous inhabitants.

4. Did ancient Troy really exist?

When Homer’s Iliad was first written down in the eighth century BCE, the story of the Trojan war was already an old one. From existing oral tradition, audiences knew the tales of the long siege, the duels outside the city walls, and the trick that finally won the war. In the end, the city was burned to the ground, never to rise again. But had it ever existed? Einav Zamir Dembin investigates.

5. The myth of Zeus’ test

It was dark when two mysterious, shrouded figures appeared in a hillside village. The strangers knocked on every door in town, asking for food and shelter. But, again and again, they were turned away. Soon, there was just one door left: that of a small, thatched shack. Would the owners help the visitors — or spurn them? Iseult Gillespie shares the myth of Baucis and Philemon.

6. The science behind the myth: Homer’s “Odyssey”

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.

7. Greek mythology’s greatest warrior

Born to a sea nymph and a king, and trained by the legendary centaur Chiron, Achilles was a demigod destined for greatness. When Greece declared war on Troy, Achilles knew the war was written into his destiny. With horses born from the west wind and a spear wrought from a mountain peak, he readied himself for battle. Iseult Gillespie tells the tale of the infamous warrior and his heel.

And you can join forces with the Olympians and your other favorite characters from Greek mythology with Pandora’s Legacy — an epic escape room puzzle adventure filled to the brim with your favorite characters from Greek mythology.

Xixi Wang

Get your copy of the game critics are calling “A gift from the gods” here!