All language subtitles for The.Odyssey.with.Dan.Snow.2026.1080p.HDTV.H264-DARKFLiX.eng

DAN SNOW: Thousands of years ago,

DAN SNOW: Thousands of years ago,

an amazing story was first told,

an amazing story was first told,

and it's been a classic ever since -
the Odyssey.

and it's been a classic ever since -
the Odyssey.

and it's been a classic ever since -
the Odyssey.

The epic of the hero
Odysseus's journey home

The epic of the hero
Odysseus's journey home

is the original adventure story,

is the original adventure story,

full of battles, gods...

full of battles, gods...

..and monsters.

Well, this is a dream come true.

Well, this is a dream come true.

For way over 40 years,
ever since I was a kid,

For way over 40 years,
ever since I was a kid,

I've been reading
Homer's epic stories.

I've been reading
Homer's epic stories.

And now, finally, this is my chance
to explore the sea,

And now, finally, this is my chance
to explore the sea,

And now, finally, this is my chance
to explore the sea,

the island, caves...

the island, caves...

the places
that inspired the Odyssey.

the places
that inspired the Odyssey.

I'm sailing the Ionian Sea,

I'm sailing the Ionian Sea,

in the wake of Odysseus,

in the wake of Odysseus,

facing the challenges
that still lie in wait.

facing the challenges
that still lie in wait.

That's 7.6.

There you go. That's what happens.
That was full over.

There you go. That's what happens.
That was full over.

Exploring the fantastic landscapes
and ancient cities

Exploring the fantastic landscapes
and ancient cities

Exploring the fantastic landscapes
and ancient cities

that inspired this astonishing tale.

that inspired this astonishing tale.

So, at the time of Julius Caesar,

this is already
a thousand years old.

this is already
a thousand years old.

To them, this was ancient history.

To them, this was ancient history.

Why do people still love
the Odyssey?

Why do people still love
the Odyssey?

What does it tell us about the
reality of life in Ancient Greece?

What does it tell us about the
reality of life in Ancient Greece?

What does it tell us about the
reality of life in Ancient Greece?

And is there a chance
that some of it could be true?

And is there a chance
that some of it could be true?

This is the real story
of the Odyssey.

This is the real story
of the Odyssey.

No matter how many times
you come here,

this is one of the most spectacular
experiences in the world.

this is one of the most spectacular
experiences in the world.

Climbed up
to the top of the Acropolis,

Climbed up
to the top of the Acropolis,

looking out over the city of Athens
in Greece.

And there, in front of you,
bathed in the sunlight...

And there, in front of you,
bathed in the sunlight...

..is one of the world's most
beautiful buildings, the Parthenon.

..is one of the world's most
beautiful buildings, the Parthenon.

The Parthenon is one
of the great wonders of the world.

The Parthenon is one
of the great wonders of the world.

When you think about Ancient Greece,
you think about this.

When you think about Ancient Greece,
you think about this.

This astonishing temple
was built nearly 2,500 years ago.

This astonishing temple
was built nearly 2,500 years ago.

That's nearly 500 years
before the Romans first stepped foot

That's nearly 500 years
before the Romans first stepped foot

That's nearly 500 years
before the Romans first stepped foot

in Britain.

But it was built 500 years after
this book was first written down -

But it was built 500 years after
this book was first written down -

But it was built 500 years after
this book was first written down -

the Odyssey by Homer.

the Odyssey by Homer.

This is one of the oldest stories
in human history.

This is one of the oldest stories
in human history.

If the Parthenon was
what Ancient Greece looked like,

If the Parthenon was
what Ancient Greece looked like,

then the Odyssey gave it a voice.

then the Odyssey gave it a voice.

We've got the amazing ruins.
We've got beautiful artifacts.

We've got the amazing ruins.
We've got beautiful artifacts.

But what the Odyssey gives us
is details about the real life

But what the Odyssey gives us
is details about the real life

But what the Odyssey gives us
is details about the real life

of the Ancient Greeks -

what they did, how they moved about,
what they ate.

what they did, how they moved about,
what they ate.

And so that's inspired me
to take this in hand

And so that's inspired me
to take this in hand

And so that's inspired me
to take this in hand

and go for an odyssey of my own.

and go for an odyssey of my own.

But to do that,
I can't stay here in Athens.

But to do that,
I can't stay here in Athens.

I have to get out there,
on the water.

I have to get out there,
on the water.

Looking after me on my voyage
is skipper Tom.

Looking after me on my voyage
is skipper Tom.

How are you doing?
Nice to meet you, Dan. Tom.

How are you doing?
Nice to meet you, Dan. Tom.

Nice to meet you, Tom.
Thanks for having me aboard.

Odysseus would have slept
in the stern.

Odysseus would have slept
in the stern.

Where do you reckon
I should put my stuff?

Where do you reckon
I should put my stuff?

I think you should be
just as Odysseus was.

I think you should be
just as Odysseus was.

DAN LAUGHS
Right, we're gonna cast off.

We're gonna head out to the sea.
The wine-dark sea.

We're gonna head out to the sea.
The wine-dark sea.

Here we go.

Rowers, to your benches.

Nicely done.
Thank you.

Nicely done.
Thank you.

OK, just bring it to the stern.
Yeah. Thank you, Dan.

OK, just bring it to the stern.
Yeah. Thank you, Dan.

About 20 minutes, and then
we'll find some open water. Yeah.

About 20 minutes, and then
we'll find some open water. Yeah.

About 20 minutes, and then
we'll find some open water. Yeah.

I'll give you a hand through.
There you go. Boom.

I'll give you a hand through.
There you go. Boom.

Don't want my dad shouting at me.

Dan, do me a favour.

If you can pull that car
all the way forward.

If you can pull that car
all the way forward.

That's it. Let it out a fair bit,
until she flaps a bit.

That's it. Let it out a fair bit,
until she flaps a bit.

'I've been sailing all my life...

'I've been sailing all my life...

'..but this is a journey I've been
itching to do for decades.'

'..but this is a journey I've been
itching to do for decades.'

I think I first came across
the Odyssey when I was very young,

I think I first came across
the Odyssey when I was very young,

and my mum and dad
read me the story,

and my mum and dad
read me the story,

and I just thought it was great -

the hero Odysseus,
the gods, the monsters,

the hero Odysseus,
the gods, the monsters,

the adventures, and all that time
spent voyaging across the sea.

the adventures, and all that time
spent voyaging across the sea.

the adventures, and all that time
spent voyaging across the sea.

I couldn't believe
that such an exciting tale

I couldn't believe
that such an exciting tale

I couldn't believe
that such an exciting tale

had been written down
nearly 3,000 years ago.

had been written down
nearly 3,000 years ago.

Now, most of us have probably heard
of the Odyssey.

Now, most of us have probably heard
of the Odyssey.

You might have heard the word used

to describe
a particularly long journey.

But what is the Odyssey,
the story, all about?

But what is the Odyssey,
the story, all about?

But what is the Odyssey,
the story, all about?

Essentially, the Odyssey
is a book about getting home.

Essentially, the Odyssey
is a book about getting home.

The Greeks called it "nostos",

and that's partly where we get
our word "nostalgia" from.

and that's partly where we get
our word "nostalgia" from.

and that's partly where we get
our word "nostalgia" from.

Essentially, you've got Odysseus.
He's one of the Greek kings.

Essentially, you've got Odysseus.
He's one of the Greek kings.

He's been fighting a war
for ten years.

He's been fighting a war
for ten years.

He's desperate to get back
to his island kingdom of Ithaca,

He's desperate to get back
to his island kingdom of Ithaca,

to see his wife, Penelope,
and his son, Telemachus.

to see his wife, Penelope,
and his son, Telemachus.

And then the Odyssey
is his attempt to get home,

And then the Odyssey
is his attempt to get home,

And then the Odyssey
is his attempt to get home,

with all its trials and tribulations

with all its trials and tribulations

and deadly adventures.

And I'm heading to the beginning
of Odysseus's voyage

And I'm heading to the beginning
of Odysseus's voyage

to start my own journey.

200 miles to the east of Athens,
across the Aegean Sea,

200 miles to the east of Athens,
across the Aegean Sea,

200 miles to the east of Athens,
across the Aegean Sea,

to the site of one of the
great cities of the ancient world,

to the site of one of the
great cities of the ancient world,

and one that many people today
don't realise actually existed.

and one that many people today
don't realise actually existed.

and one that many people today
don't realise actually existed.

Troy.

This is the place
where that legendary siege raged

This is the place
where that legendary siege raged

for ten brutal years.

for ten brutal years.

Greeks versus Trojans

to reclaim
the beautiful Queen Helen.

to reclaim
the beautiful Queen Helen.

And it was here
that our hero Odysseus

And it was here
that our hero Odysseus

first made a name for himself.

Odysseus isn't necessarily

Odysseus isn't necessarily

the bravest or strongest warrior,

the bravest or strongest warrior,

but he's got something else
that makes him

one of the most important
Greek commanders.

one of the most important
Greek commanders.

You can put it how you like, really.

Cunning, tricky, sly, wise.

Cunning, tricky, sly, wise.

Cunning, tricky, sly, wise.

Odysseus has got brains.

Odysseus has got brains.

And those brains
were gonna come in handy.

And those brains
were gonna come in handy.

To break the siege,

Odysseus came up with
the most famous battlefield trick

Odysseus came up with
the most famous battlefield trick

in history - the Trojan Horse.

in history - the Trojan Horse.

Odysseus said that rather than
throwing themselves time and again

Odysseus said that rather than
throwing themselves time and again

at these mighty Trojan walls,

the Greeks
should try something different.

the Greeks
should try something different.

So he built a huge wooden horse

So he built a huge wooden horse

and left it outside
the gates of Troy.

and left it outside
the gates of Troy.

The Trojans saw it,
dragged it into the city,

The Trojans saw it,
dragged it into the city,

assuming it was a gift or something.

assuming it was a gift or something.

What they didn't know
is that the horse was hollow,

What they didn't know
is that the horse was hollow,

and inside were elite Greek warriors
who burst out,

and inside were elite Greek warriors
who burst out,

killed everyone, opened the gates
and captured the city.

killed everyone, opened the gates
and captured the city.

Now, when early archaeologists
started to excavate this site,

Now, when early archaeologists
started to excavate this site,

they got very excited
when they found this ramp here,

they got very excited
when they found this ramp here,

and you can see why.

That's a ramp leading up
into the Trojan stronghold there.

That's a ramp leading up
into the Trojan stronghold there.

And they imagined

that was where the wooden horse
was dragged up into the city.

that was where the wooden horse
was dragged up into the city.

that was where the wooden horse
was dragged up into the city.

Thanks to Odysseus,
the Greeks were victorious.

Thanks to Odysseus,
the Greeks were victorious.

But this was only the beginning
of his story.

But this was only the beginning
of his story.

Odysseus gathered his men down here
on the coast near Troy.

Odysseus gathered his men down here
on the coast near Troy.

Odysseus gathered his men down here
on the coast near Troy.

He prepared the ships and filled
them up with booty and provisions.

He prepared the ships and filled
them up with booty and provisions.

He prepared the ships and filled
them up with booty and provisions.

And then they got ready
for their triumphant voyage home.

And then they got ready
for their triumphant voyage home.

And then they got ready
for their triumphant voyage home.

With a fair wind, he should
have been home in less than a week.

With a fair wind, he should
have been home in less than a week.

But of course,
it wouldn't be as simple as that.

But of course,
it wouldn't be as simple as that.

Coming up, I continue sailing
in the wake of Odysseus

Coming up, I continue sailing
in the wake of Odysseus

and face some challenges of my own.

and face some challenges of my own.

It's a gust off the island there.
Whoa! I see what you mean.

It's a gust off the island there.
Whoa! I see what you mean.

And discover how he escaped
one of his most fearsome foes,

And discover how he escaped
one of his most fearsome foes,

And discover how he escaped
one of his most fearsome foes,

the Cyclops.

DAN SNOW: The Odyssey
is one of the oldest

DAN SNOW: The Odyssey
is one of the oldest

and greatest tales in human history.

and greatest tales in human history.

The epic of Odysseus's voyage home
after the Trojan War

The epic of Odysseus's voyage home
after the Trojan War

has been retold
for thousands of years.

has been retold
for thousands of years.

And now I'm on an odyssey
of my very own,

And now I'm on an odyssey
of my very own,

through the waters that inspired
this incredible story.

through the waters that inspired
this incredible story.

The Ionian Sea
is off the west coast of Greece

The Ionian Sea
is off the west coast of Greece

and is home to many holiday island
favourites like Kefalonia,

and is home to many holiday island
favourites like Kefalonia,

Corfu and Zakynthos.

But on my journey,
I'm sailing from Lefkas

But on my journey,
I'm sailing from Lefkas

and heading south
through the islands.

and heading south
through the islands.

Odysseus was sailing home to Ithaca.
But what about me?

Odysseus was sailing home to Ithaca.
But what about me?

Odysseus was sailing home to Ithaca.
But what about me?

If I'm sailing in the wake of
a fictional hero, where am I going?

If I'm sailing in the wake of
a fictional hero, where am I going?

If I'm sailing in the wake of
a fictional hero, where am I going?

Now, there's a lot of debate

about where Odysseus's homeland
actually was

about where Odysseus's homeland
actually was

and whether it existed at all.

But look at this.
This is the modern island of Ithaca.

But look at this.
This is the modern island of Ithaca.

Quite a small island
just tucked in here.

It has the same name as the Ithaca

that Odysseus
is trying to get home to.

Despite all sorts of amazing
theories floated over the years,

Despite all sorts of amazing
theories floated over the years,

we're gonna actually take things
at face value

and assume that Homer was talking
about a place called Ithaca

and assume that Homer was talking
about a place called Ithaca

which actually existed,

and we are gonna head to that island
right now.

and we are gonna head to that island
right now.

Like Odysseus,
I'm sailing for Ithaca.

Like Odysseus,
I'm sailing for Ithaca.

And like Odysseus,
I'm not sailing alone.

And like Odysseus,
I'm not sailing alone.

'He left Troy at the head of a fleet
of 12 ships.

'He left Troy at the head of a fleet
of 12 ships.

'He left Troy at the head of a fleet
of 12 ships.

'Maybe as many as 600 men.

'I don't have quite that many men
with me.

'I don't have quite that many men
with me.

'But I'm pleased that skipper Tom
has been sailing these waters

'But I'm pleased that skipper Tom
has been sailing these waters

'for the last five years.'

'for the last five years.'

I mean, you must know these waters
like the back of your hand.

I mean, you must know these waters
like the back of your hand.

I'd say so.
By now, I'm getting there.

I'd say so.
By now, I'm getting there.

There's still... You still learn
different bits every day,

There's still... You still learn
different bits every day,

there're still places
I haven't seen,

but I know 'em pretty well.

Are there some things you have
to keep in mind here in the Ionians?

Are there some things you have
to keep in mind here in the Ionians?

Just the sheer volume of boats.

You've got to be very careful,
keep a good lookout for traffic.

You've got to be very careful,
keep a good lookout for traffic.

Would have been a lot of traffic
here in Ancient Greek times.

Would have been a lot of traffic
here in Ancient Greek times.

Fishing boats, trading boats.

The only way to get around, right?
Exactly. Yeah.

The only way to get around, right?
Exactly. Yeah.

With our boat set fair,

With our boat set fair,

what better time
to dust off my copy of the Odyssey

what better time
to dust off my copy of the Odyssey

and read about the beginning
of Odysseus' great voyage?

and read about the beginning
of Odysseus' great voyage?

The journey
that should have only taken a week

The journey
that should have only taken a week

was quickly turning
into a nightmare.

was quickly turning
into a nightmare.

Odysseus already lost
a number of men

Odysseus already lost
a number of men

after a raid went badly wrong.

after a raid went badly wrong.

They were blown wildly off course
after a two-week-long storm

They were blown wildly off course
after a two-week-long storm

They were blown wildly off course
after a two-week-long storm

and escaped by the skin
of their teeth

from a mysterious island,
home to the so-called lotus eaters.

from a mysterious island,
home to the so-called lotus eaters.

from a mysterious island,
home to the so-called lotus eaters.

Odysseus and his men
sailed on, though,

Odysseus and his men
sailed on, though,

determined to get home to Ithaca.

determined to get home to Ithaca.

But with their provisions
starting to get low,

But with their provisions
starting to get low,

they knew that they would
have to find an island

they knew that they would
have to find an island

where they could stock up.

And like Odysseus,
me and Tom need to do the same.

And like Odysseus,
me and Tom need to do the same.

Do you want to be right next
to the sloop?

Do you want to be right next
to the sloop?

We'll see where my anchor pulls me.

That'll be the deciding factor.
OK. One more metre down.

That'll be the deciding factor.
OK. One more metre down.

That's good, Dan. Lovely.

And thankfully for me,
it's market day.

And thankfully for me,
it's market day.

And thankfully for me,
it's market day.

Homer talks about food and drink
a lot in the Odyssey.

Homer talks about food and drink
a lot in the Odyssey.

And on this voyage,
I want to take the kind of things

And on this voyage,
I want to take the kind of things

that Odysseus would have been eating
and drinking.

that Odysseus would have been eating
and drinking.

There's lots of nice produce here.
I've got a little list.

There's lots of nice produce here.
I've got a little list.

Barley. A lot of barley
in the Odyssey.

Barley. A lot of barley
in the Odyssey.

Olive oil. It's on there.

Olive oil. It's on there.

Meat... wine - a lot of wine -
and honey.

Meat... wine - a lot of wine -
and honey.

Meat... wine - a lot of wine -
and honey.

Kalimera. Some honey, please.

Kalimera. Some honey, please.

OK. A shot of olive oil.
HE CHUCKLES

OK. A shot of olive oil.
HE CHUCKLES

Mmm!

You want a taste?
I'll taste, yeah. I'll taste.

You want a taste?
I'll taste, yeah. I'll taste.

Let's get 12.
OK. Thank you.

Let's get 12.
OK. Thank you.

I'll do scrambled eggs for the crew
in the morning.

I'll do scrambled eggs for the crew
in the morning.

OK. Efkaristo. Thank you, guys.
Thank you.

OK. Efkaristo. Thank you, guys.
Thank you.

But before I head back aboard
with my supplies,

But before I head back aboard
with my supplies,

I'm heading
to meet Dr Steve Kershaw,

I'm heading
to meet Dr Steve Kershaw,

an Ancient Greece expert
who can tell me more

an Ancient Greece expert
who can tell me more

about the origin story
of the Odyssey

about the origin story
of the Odyssey

and about its author, Homer.

and about its author, Homer.

Steve, we call this one
of the oldest stories that survived.

Steve, we call this one
of the oldest stories that survived.

Did it just sort of come out
of nowhere nearly 3,000 years ago?

Did it just sort of come out
of nowhere nearly 3,000 years ago?

How did it all begin?

No. It's a really, really old tale

No. It's a really, really old tale

that is the product
of a centuries-long, probably,

that is the product
of a centuries-long, probably,

that is the product
of a centuries-long, probably,

oral tradition
of people handing down this tale

oral tradition
of people handing down this tale

from person to person to person,
from singer to singer to singer.

from person to person to person,
from singer to singer to singer.

So I'm saying read the Odyssey.
You're saying sing the Odyssey.

So I'm saying read the Odyssey.
You're saying sing the Odyssey.

So what's going on here?

What's the best way to listen to it
or get into it?

What's the best way to listen to it
or get into it?

Originally, it's a sung poem.
Huh.

Originally, it's a sung poem.
Huh.

It's probably accompanied by music,
as well,

It's probably accompanied by music,
as well,

and performed
by professional singers,

and performed
by professional singers,

poets, who were called rhapsodes.

poets, who were called rhapsodes.

So, rhapsodes, is that where
we get the word, like a rhapsody?

So, rhapsodes, is that where
we get the word, like a rhapsody?

It is indeed. Yeah.
It's exactly the same word.

It is indeed. Yeah.
It's exactly the same word.

"Rapsodos" is a singer of songs.

"Rapsodos" is a singer of songs.

So this would be
a lifetime of training.

It would be a real calling.
It would indeed.

But we have strong evidence

that people could indeed remember
all of that by heart.

that people could indeed remember
all of that by heart.

These tales became a feature
of Greek identity.

These tales became a feature
of Greek identity.

This was more than just poetry.

It was a feature
of what it meant to be Greek,

It was a feature
of what it meant to be Greek,

was to know Homer.

Was Homer a real person
in that case?

This is a major problem.

It's attributed
to a person called Homer

It's attributed
to a person called Homer

who is in the Greek world.

who is in the Greek world.

But in fact,
it's really hard to pin down.

But in fact,
it's really hard to pin down.

And I think that's probably
going back to this oral tradition

And I think that's probably
going back to this oral tradition

of it being handed down
from person to person to person.

of it being handed down
from person to person to person.

And in the end,
it's just attributed to a poet,

And in the end,
it's just attributed to a poet,

a wonderful poet called Homer.

And Homer tells us
that after weeks at sea,

And Homer tells us
that after weeks at sea,

Odysseus and his men
finally found themselves

Odysseus and his men
finally found themselves

on a wild, rugged island.

on a wild, rugged island.

Desperate for supplies,
they headed inland

Desperate for supplies,
they headed inland

and soon found a cave
filled with meat, milk and cheese.

and soon found a cave
filled with meat, milk and cheese.

and soon found a cave
filled with meat, milk and cheese.

Odysseus's men wanted to swipe what
they could and make a quick getaway,

Odysseus's men wanted to swipe what
they could and make a quick getaway,

Odysseus's men wanted to swipe what
they could and make a quick getaway,

but Odysseus had other ideas.

but Odysseus had other ideas.

He wanted to stay, make contact
with the local inhabitants

He wanted to stay, make contact
with the local inhabitants

and see if they were interested
in exchanging gifts.

and see if they were interested
in exchanging gifts.

and see if they were interested
in exchanging gifts.

It turned out to be a terrible plan.

It turned out to be a terrible plan.

Because this cave
wasn't home to just anyone.

Because this cave
wasn't home to just anyone.

It was home
to a monstrous one-eyed giant,

It was home
to a monstrous one-eyed giant,

a Cyclops called Polyphemus,

a Cyclops called Polyphemus,

and he wasn't in the mood
to host guests.

and he wasn't in the mood
to host guests.

The first thing he did
was roll a huge boulder

The first thing he did
was roll a huge boulder

over the entrance of the cave,
trapping everyone inside.

over the entrance of the cave,
trapping everyone inside.

He did his chores,
and during that time,

He did his chores,
and during that time,

he noticed the men quivering
in the shadows.

he noticed the men quivering
in the shadows.

He snatched two of them up
and gobbled them down.

He snatched two of them up
and gobbled them down.

Odysseus was enraged.

He went for his sword,
but he suddenly realised

He went for his sword,
but he suddenly realised

if he killed the Cyclops,

he wouldn't be able to roll the
boulder away from the cave entrance.

he wouldn't be able to roll the
boulder away from the cave entrance.

They'd be in there for all eternity.

They'd be in there for all eternity.

It would become all of their tombs.

It would become all of their tombs.

If they were gonna escape,

Odysseus needed to come up
with a cunning plan.

Odysseus needed to come up
with a cunning plan.

And thankfully for him and his men,
just like at Troy,

And thankfully for him and his men,
just like at Troy,

Odysseus's brains
didn't let him down.

Odysseus's brains
didn't let him down.

When the Cyclops went out
the following day

When the Cyclops went out
the following day

to put his sheep out to pasture,

to put his sheep out to pasture,

Odysseus and his men picked up
the Cyclops's walking stick

Odysseus and his men picked up
the Cyclops's walking stick

Odysseus and his men picked up
the Cyclops's walking stick

and sharpened the end of it
into a very fine point.

and sharpened the end of it
into a very fine point.

When he got back, Odysseus
sort of tried to befriend him a bit.

When he got back, Odysseus
sort of tried to befriend him a bit.

He told him that his name
was Nobody,

He told him that his name
was Nobody,

and he also offered him
a lot of very powerful red wine.

and he also offered him
a lot of very powerful red wine.

and he also offered him
a lot of very powerful red wine.

Cyclops was quite pleased with that.

He ate two of Odysseus's men,
drank all the wine and passed out.

He ate two of Odysseus's men,
drank all the wine and passed out.

He ate two of Odysseus's men,
drank all the wine and passed out.

At that point,
Odysseus and the survivors

At that point,
Odysseus and the survivors

picked up
the sharpened walking stick

picked up
the sharpened walking stick

and dipped the end into
the red-hot embers of a fire,

and dipped the end into
the red-hot embers of a fire,

and they rammed it
as hard as they could

and they rammed it
as hard as they could

into the Cyclops's one eye.

into the Cyclops's one eye.

The eyeball sizzled and popped.

The eyeball sizzled and popped.

He leapt up screaming.

His neighbours, other Cyclopes,
came from nearby caves

His neighbours, other Cyclopes,
came from nearby caves

and shouted, "What's up?"
And he said, "Nobody's hurting me."

and shouted, "What's up?"
And he said, "Nobody's hurting me."

So they told him to be quiet
and go back to sleep.

So they told him to be quiet
and go back to sleep.

In the morning,
the terribly wounded Cyclops

still had to let his sheep go out
and graze.

So, blinded,
he put his arm across the door

So, blinded,
he put his arm across the door

and let the sheep out one by one,

and let the sheep out one by one,

being very careful to make sure
that Odysseus's men couldn't escape.

being very careful to make sure
that Odysseus's men couldn't escape.

What he could not see is that
on the underside of the sheep,

What he could not see is that
on the underside of the sheep,

What he could not see is that
on the underside of the sheep,

clinging to the fleece
around their bellies,

clinging to the fleece
around their bellies,

were Odysseus and his men.

were Odysseus and his men.

They made it past the Cyclops,
through the entrance to the cave

They made it past the Cyclops,
through the entrance to the cave

They made it past the Cyclops,
through the entrance to the cave

and got back to their ship.

But while they were still in earshot
of the shore,

But while they were still in earshot
of the shore,

Odysseus had a sudden rush of blood
to the head.

Odysseus had a sudden rush of blood
to the head.

Just as they're on the verge
of escaping from the Cyclops,

Just as they're on the verge
of escaping from the Cyclops,

Odysseus made
another crazy decision.

Odysseus made
another crazy decision.

He shouted up
from the deck of his ship,

He shouted up
from the deck of his ship,

"Cyclops, my name is not Nobody.

"Cyclops, my name is not Nobody.

"It is Odysseus of Ithaca."

"It is Odysseus of Ithaca."

SIGHS

It must have felt
like the right idea at the time.

It must have felt
like the right idea at the time.

The trouble is, the Cyclops was
the son of the sea god Poseidon,

The trouble is, the Cyclops was
the son of the sea god Poseidon,

The trouble is, the Cyclops was
the son of the sea god Poseidon,

and now he knew Odysseus's name.

and now he knew Odysseus's name.

The Cyclops
immediately bellowed out,

The Cyclops
immediately bellowed out,

hoping his father, Poseidon,
god of the oceans, would hear him.

hoping his father, Poseidon,
god of the oceans, would hear him.

hoping his father, Poseidon,
god of the oceans, would hear him.

He said, "Father, grant
that Odysseus, sacker of cities,

He said, "Father, grant
that Odysseus, sacker of cities,

He said, "Father, grant
that Odysseus, sacker of cities,

He said, "Father, grant
that Odysseus, sacker of cities,

"may never reach his home
in Ithaca."

"may never reach his home
in Ithaca."

Poseidon heard his son's pleas,
and he answered.

Poseidon heard his son's pleas,
and he answered.

Poseidon heard his son's pleas,
and he answered.

What do you want to do? Go round?

I'm gonna bring a double gybe.
Just... Yeah. OK. All right.

I'm gonna bring a double gybe.
Just... Yeah. OK. All right.

The god of the sea cursed Odysseus.

The god of the sea cursed Odysseus.

The god of the sea cursed Odysseus.

His odyssey had only just begun.

His odyssey had only just begun.

Coming up, I explore
an enchanted island...

Coming up, I explore
an enchanted island...

That's brilliant!

How strange.

..and follow Odysseus to a place

where few mortal men
dared to tread - the underworld.

where few mortal men
dared to tread - the underworld.

where few mortal men
dared to tread - the underworld.

When you're ready, Dan.
Stand by.

When you're ready, Dan.
Stand by.

Go, go, go, go, go!

Golden. That'll do. That'll do.
OK.

Golden. That'll do. That'll do.
OK.

We might even hit that south side
in one tackle.

We might even hit that south side
in one tackle.

We might. It's amazing.

DAN SNOW: I'm sailing
the glorious Ionian Sea,

DAN SNOW: I'm sailing
the glorious Ionian Sea,

exploring gorgeous islands,

exploring gorgeous islands,

mysterious caves
and incredible coves.

mysterious caves
and incredible coves.

Following the greatest story
ever told, the Odyssey.

Following the greatest story
ever told, the Odyssey.

Just a few weeks into his journey,
Odysseus and his crew

Just a few weeks into his journey,
Odysseus and his crew

had already been smashed by a storm

had already been smashed by a storm

and escaped the clutches
of the Cyclops.

and escaped the clutches
of the Cyclops.

But on they sailed,
desperate to return home to Ithaca.

But on they sailed,
desperate to return home to Ithaca.

But on they sailed,
desperate to return home to Ithaca.

This is a story of heroes,
gods and monsters,

This is a story of heroes,
gods and monsters,

This is a story of heroes,
gods and monsters,

but one of the most important
characters

but one of the most important
characters

is actually the sea itself,

is actually the sea itself,

and the Odyssey is filled
with incredible descriptions

and the Odyssey is filled
with incredible descriptions

of these waters.

I've written a list
at the front of my book.

Sometimes, it's "wide".
Other times, "restless".

Sometimes, it's "wide".
Other times, "restless".

He calls it "wine-dark, open,

He calls it "wine-dark, open,

"broad-backed, barren,

"broad-backed, barren,

"boundless, greyish."

"boundless, greyish."

And that set me thinking,
because we all think of Greece

And that set me thinking,
because we all think of Greece

and the beaches and the lovely
clear water, its blue seas.

and the beaches and the lovely
clear water, its blue seas.

Nowhere does Homer call it that.

Nowhere does Homer call it that.

Homer never describes Odysseus

Homer never describes Odysseus

as just being too hot and having
a lovely time in the sun.

as just being too hot and having
a lovely time in the sun.

It is a book about terrible weather.

It is a book about terrible weather.

These seas are a challenge
for sailors in any century,

These seas are a challenge
for sailors in any century,

and sailing these waters
day in, day out,

and sailing these waters
day in, day out,

Tom knows that better than most.

It's funny, isn't it?
You think of the Greek islands,

It's funny, isn't it?
You think of the Greek islands,

you think it's all
just sandy beaches, turquoise water.

you think it's all
just sandy beaches, turquoise water.

But the winds get wild here,
don't they?They do.

But the winds get wild here,
don't they?They do.

They really change on you.

The fact that there's all these
islands means lots of harbours,

The fact that there's all these
islands means lots of harbours,

space to go, but the winds
can twist and turn around.Exactly.

space to go, but the winds
can twist and turn around.Exactly.

space to go, but the winds
can twist and turn around.Exactly.

So you get
some weird, flukey conditions.

Especially when you're closer
to shore.

So when you're within, you know,
a kilometre or so of the shore,

So when you're within, you know,
a kilometre or so of the shore,

you've really got to watch
what's happening,

you've really got to watch
what's happening,

think about how those coastlines,
and the mountains especially,

think about how those coastlines,
and the mountains especially,

are gonna affect the wind.

You can see why they'd have thought
it's crazy.

You get steady wind,
then in certain places,

it just goes bonkers.
Bonkers, yeah.

It would have been a god
or a spirit on the hill.

You could definitely see why.

Me and Tom have sailed on,
speeding south on the wind,

Me and Tom have sailed on,
speeding south on the wind,

Me and Tom have sailed on,
speeding south on the wind,

slipping into this calm, dreamy bay
on the tiny island of Atokos.

slipping into this calm, dreamy bay
on the tiny island of Atokos.

slipping into this calm, dreamy bay
on the tiny island of Atokos.

Let's do 25, please.

Let's do 25, please.

That'll do, Dan, I think.
That'll do.

Odysseus's men were exhausted.

Odysseus's men were exhausted.

They were traumatised
by everything they've been through.

They were traumatised
by everything they've been through.

Of the original fleet of 12 ships,

Of the original fleet of 12 ships,

there was now just one left.

there was now just one left.

So I imagine
they were pretty pleased

when they stumbled
across a safe-looking harbour

when they stumbled
across a safe-looking harbour

on the beautiful island of Aeaea.

on the beautiful island of Aeaea.

They rode up to the beach,
dragged the boat ashore,

They rode up to the beach,
dragged the boat ashore,

and could do nothing else

and could do nothing else

but collapse on the sand
next to it, exhausted.

but collapse on the sand
next to it, exhausted.

For two days, the men rested
on this seemingly deserted island.

For two days, the men rested
on this seemingly deserted island.

The only clue
that they were not alone

The only clue
that they were not alone

was some mysterious smoke
rising from inland.

was some mysterious smoke
rising from inland.

The men split into two groups,

and one of them went inland
to investigate the smoke,

and one of them went inland
to investigate the smoke,

and what they found
was a sumptuous palace

and what they found
was a sumptuous palace

owned by the sorceress Circe.

owned by the sorceress Circe.

The men were entranced
by her beautiful singing,

The men were entranced
by her beautiful singing,

and she invited them
to feast with her.

and she invited them
to feast with her.

But when they'd
completely let their guard down,

But when they'd
completely let their guard down,

she cast a spell on them,

she cast a spell on them,

turning Odysseus's crew
from men into pigs.

turning Odysseus's crew
from men into pigs.

turning Odysseus's crew
from men into pigs.

Now, Circe's enchanted
island of Aeaea

Now, Circe's enchanted
island of Aeaea

is obviously a fantasy location,

is obviously a fantasy location,

but real-life Atokos
is eerily similar.

but real-life Atokos
is eerily similar.

It's small,
it's got a beautiful harbour.

It's small,
it's got a beautiful harbour.

It's small,
it's got a beautiful harbour.

There's a path
that leads from that harbour

to a magnificent house
in the middle,

to a magnificent house
in the middle,

and there is even
a set of wild boar,

and there is even
a set of wild boar,

the set of pigs that live here,
a little colony of them.

the set of pigs that live here,
a little colony of them.

They even sometimes come for a swim.

'I wonder if they might come out
while I'm here.'

'I wonder if they might come out
while I'm here.'

Hey, you piggy, piggy, piggy,
piggies!

Hey, you piggy, piggy, piggy,
piggies!

WHISTLES

PIGS SNORT

Look at this. Two big pigs
and lots of little piglets.

Look at this. Two big pigs
and lots of little piglets.

Oh, the big pigs
are coming to cool down in the sea.

Oh, the big pigs
are coming to cool down in the sea.

That's brilliant. How strange.

That's brilliant. How strange.

Well, there you go.

On Circe's magical island,

there are all sorts of strange,
enchanted animals around.

there are all sorts of strange,
enchanted animals around.

But these are not the men
of Odysseus's crew.

But these are not the men
of Odysseus's crew.

Thankfully, he heard of their fate
and dashed to their rescue.

Thankfully, he heard of their fate
and dashed to their rescue.

Odysseus ordered Circe
to turn the pigs back into his men,

Odysseus ordered Circe
to turn the pigs back into his men,

Odysseus ordered Circe
to turn the pigs back into his men,

and in fact,
after that slightly awkward start,

and in fact,
after that slightly awkward start,

Circe became
the most incredible host.

Circe became
the most incredible host.

Homer tells us, "In her house,

"she gently bathed them,
rubbing them in oil.

"she gently bathed them,
rubbing them in oil.

"She had them dressed
in woollen cloaks and tunics,

"She had them dressed
in woollen cloaks and tunics,

"and they feasted on meat
and sweet, strong wine every day."

"and they feasted on meat
and sweet, strong wine every day."

"and they feasted on meat
and sweet, strong wine every day."

They obviously enjoyed themselves,
particularly Odysseus,

They obviously enjoyed themselves,
particularly Odysseus,

who, by this stage,

was romantically involved
with Circe,

was romantically involved
with Circe,

because they stayed for a year,

because they stayed for a year,

and only after a year
did all the men come to Odysseus

and only after a year
did all the men come to Odysseus

and go, "Boss, I think we might
have been here long enough.

and go, "Boss, I think we might
have been here long enough.

"Should we try and get home?"

PIGS SNORT

And I think it's about time
that I followed them too.

And I think it's about time
that I followed them too.

I wonder if some of Odysseus's men
had mixed feelings

I wonder if some of Odysseus's men
had mixed feelings

on leaving Aeaea behind them.

on leaving Aeaea behind them.

They definitely had
quite a nice life there

They definitely had
quite a nice life there

on that island while it lasted.

But leave they did.

They couldn't head straight home,
though.

Circe had sent them off
with quite the instruction.

Circe had sent them off
with quite the instruction.

They had to make one of literature's
greatest pit stops.

They had to make one of literature's
greatest pit stops.

She told him that they had to go
to Hades to speak to a spirit

She told him that they had to go
to Hades to speak to a spirit

who would tell them how to break
the curse of Poseidon

who would tell them how to break
the curse of Poseidon

and guide them on the rest
of their journey home.

and guide them on the rest
of their journey home.

Next stop for the Odyssey,
the underworld.

Next stop for the Odyssey,
the underworld.

Some things don't change.

We're still using old muscle power
to get the sails up,

We're still using old muscle power
to get the sails up,

as they would have done
thousands of years ago.

OK.
All right.

OK.
All right.

If you can lock the vang
and pull it on for me.

If you can lock the vang
and pull it on for me.

Circe gave Odysseus
very clear instructions

Circe gave Odysseus
very clear instructions

on how to get
to the land of the dead,

on how to get
to the land of the dead,

full of landmarks to spot
as he sailed these seas.

full of landmarks to spot
as he sailed these seas.

Greece is so well-known
for its islands.

They're famous the world over.

They're famous the world over.

Today, we tend to think of the sea
between the islands

Today, we tend to think of the sea
between the islands

as a bit of a barrier,
a bit of an obstacle.

as a bit of a barrier,
a bit of an obstacle.

But thousands of years ago,
the opposite was true -

But thousands of years ago,
the opposite was true -

it was actually a bridge.

They became masters of the sea.

They became masters of the sea.

Obviously, there was no sat nav,
nor were there any charts.

Obviously, there was no sat nav,
nor were there any charts.

And the compass, well,
that wouldn't be used for navigation

And the compass, well,
that wouldn't be used for navigation

until around 1,500 years
after the Odyssey was written down.

until around 1,500 years
after the Odyssey was written down.

until around 1,500 years
after the Odyssey was written down.

So Ancient Greek mariners
like Odysseus

So Ancient Greek mariners
like Odysseus

had to rely on something
a little more basic...

had to rely on something
a little more basic...

but reliable nonetheless.

but reliable nonetheless.

They had to memorise the coastline.

They had to memorise the coastline.

'Skipper Tom
might not have been born here,

'Skipper Tom
might not have been born here,

'but he has sailed the Ionian Sea
with Sunsail more than most now,

'but he has sailed the Ionian Sea
with Sunsail more than most now,

'but he has sailed the Ionian Sea
with Sunsail more than most now,

'and he's no stranger
to this technique.'

'and he's no stranger
to this technique.'

You've got access to the charts
but presumably don't use them much,

You've got access to the charts
but presumably don't use them much,

cos you know these waters so well.

To be honest,
I do more navigate visually,

To be honest,
I do more navigate visually,

just by where I am
and knowing what's around

just by where I am
and knowing what's around

through having done it
a couple of times before already.

through having done it
a couple of times before already.

I suppose all the islands,
looking as they do,

I suppose all the islands,
looking as they do,

they're quite individual.

You can sort of tell them
immediately.

Yeah, you've got a lot
of different types of terrain

Yeah, you've got a lot
of different types of terrain

around these islands, right?

You've got islands like Atokos
and Kalamos,

You've got islands like Atokos
and Kalamos,

which are very mountainous,

and then, say, Meganisi behind us
and Kastos,

and then, say, Meganisi behind us
and Kastos,

which are much, much flatter.

So it makes it quite easy
to differentiate between.

So it makes it quite easy
to differentiate between.

The trouble is, I suppose
when you do leave sight of land

The trouble is, I suppose
when you do leave sight of land

or get to a new area,
then you're ignorant.

Then it's quite dangerous.
Yeah. Very much so.

Then it's quite dangerous.
Yeah. Very much so.

Probably the biggest difference
between sailing back then

Probably the biggest difference
between sailing back then

and sailing now is we can do that
and leave sight of land

and sailing now is we can do that
and leave sight of land

because we have
the electronic navigation aid.

because we have
the electronic navigation aid.

So, we're just getting ready
to moor up,

So, we're just getting ready
to moor up,

exactly as they would have done
in Odysseus's time,

exactly as they would have done
in Odysseus's time,

on this mysterious island
that we've arrived at.

on this mysterious island
that we've arrived at.

No harbours, no marinas back then.

No harbours, no marinas back then.

So it's a matter
of take ropes to the shore,

So it's a matter
of take ropes to the shore,

put an anchor down
and make yourself safe and snug

put an anchor down
and make yourself safe and snug

against anything
the weather can throw at you.

against anything
the weather can throw at you.

This is how, traditionally,
you tie a boat to the land.

This is how, traditionally,
you tie a boat to the land.

How you get off the boat
and head on to the land, isn't it?

How you get off the boat
and head on to the land, isn't it?

Even today in Greece, it's still
how we do things here. Yeah.

Even today in Greece, it's still
how we do things here. Yeah.

Still not the infrastructure

that you have in other places
around the world.

that you have in other places
around the world.

So we're not just doing this
for show.No.

This is how we do it.
Exactly.

This is how we do it.
Exactly.

'Tom has to carefully
back the boat into position,

'Tom has to carefully
back the boat into position,

'avoiding any shallow water
before the anchor is dropped.

'avoiding any shallow water
before the anchor is dropped.

'avoiding any shallow water
before the anchor is dropped.

'And then it's a race
to get the lines out to shore

'as fast as possible.'

It's pretty sketchy.

With the boat securely moored up,

With the boat securely moored up,

I can now get on
with some inland exploration.

I can now get on
with some inland exploration.

Odysseus,
following Circe's instructions,

Odysseus,
following Circe's instructions,

headed directly to the underworld.

headed directly to the underworld.

And amazingly,
for the Ancient Greeks,

And amazingly,
for the Ancient Greeks,

Hades was a real place...

Hades was a real place...

..a place you could visit.

And that's where I'm heading to.

And that's where I'm heading to.

The river Acheron

flows from the mountains
of northern Greece

flows from the mountains
of northern Greece

and out into the Ionian Sea.

And for the Ancient Greeks,

this river led directly
to the underworld.

this river led directly
to the underworld.

Well, the path's come to an end,
but I'm gonna keep going.

Well, the path's come to an end,
but I'm gonna keep going.

Ooh! That is cold.

Look how beautiful that is, though.

Look how beautiful that is, though.

Amazing.

Everything feels different
down here.

Everything feels different
down here.

It's much cooler
than it is out there.

It's much cooler
than it is out there.

The plants,
the trees are different.

The plants,
the trees are different.

And you can see why,
to ancient people,

And you can see why,
to ancient people,

this gorge, with its rock
and its icy-cold water

this gorge, with its rock
and its icy-cold water

this gorge, with its rock
and its icy-cold water

and its strange echoes,

it would have felt like a portal
to the underworld.

it would have felt like a portal
to the underworld.

it would have felt like a portal
to the underworld.

Now, Odysseus didn't have to go
into the underworld

Now, Odysseus didn't have to go
into the underworld

but rather speak to someone
who was on the other side -

but rather speak to someone
who was on the other side -

a wise old man named Tiresias.

a wise old man named Tiresias.

Only through speaking to him

could Odysseus learn
how to break the curse of Poseidon.

could Odysseus learn
how to break the curse of Poseidon.

But to do that,
Odysseus would need to perform

But to do that,
Odysseus would need to perform

a sacred ritual that is written down
in the Odyssey.

a sacred ritual that is written down
in the Odyssey.

So naturally,
I want to give it a go myself.

So naturally,
I want to give it a go myself.

But I can't do it alone.

'So Odyssey expert
Dr Emily Hauser

'So Odyssey expert
Dr Emily Hauser

'has come to give me a hand.'

All right, Emily, what's up first?

Well, first, Dan, we're gonna need
to need to dig a pit,

Well, first, Dan, we're gonna need
to need to dig a pit,

so get digging.
Right here?Right here.

And is it a square?
It's gonna be a square. Yep.

And is it a square?
It's gonna be a square. Yep.

Now, what we're gonna do
once we've done that

Now, what we're gonna do
once we've done that

is to put some libations in there.
So... What's a libation?

is to put some libations in there.
So... What's a libation?

is to put some libations in there.
So... What's a libation?

Like an offering, or...?

Yeah, a libation is a ritual liquid,

Yeah, a libation is a ritual liquid,

basically a bit of a tipple
for the gods.

So, first, we're gonna pour in
some of the honey and the milk.

So, first, we're gonna pour in
some of the honey and the milk.

OK. Here we go.

God, this is exciting.
I know.

Is this the honey?
This is honey and milk.

This is your first libation
that you're gonna pour in.

This is your first libation
that you're gonna pour in.

All the way, all of it?
All of it, all the way.

All the way, all of it?
All of it, all the way.

And we want it to really soak down
into the ground. Oh!

And we want it to really soak down
into the ground. Oh!

Right. Our next one is gonna be...
Oh, that smells good.

Right. Our next one is gonna be...
Oh, that smells good.

It's gonna be some sweet wine.
Ooh.

Seems like a waste,
but there we go.Yeah.

No, that's good for the spirits.

No, that's good for the spirits.

And why are we putting these
into the ground?

And why are we putting these
into the ground?

Are the spirits down there,
they're not up there?Yeah.

Are the spirits down there,
they're not up there?Yeah.

So, we're trying to summon up
the spirits of the underworld.

So, we're trying to summon up
the spirits of the underworld.

And because
the underworld is conceived of

as being kind of down in the ground,
under the earth,

as being kind of down in the ground,
under the earth,

we're gonna get everything
to go seeping down into the ground,

we're gonna get everything
to go seeping down into the ground,

as opposed to what you would do

if you were trying to communicate
with the gods of the sky,

if you were trying to communicate
with the gods of the sky,

where you would be burning,

you'd be creating smoke that
they could sniff in their nostrils.

you'd be creating smoke that
they could sniff in their nostrils.

That makes sense.
Sending smoke up there.

We're not going up.
We're going down.

Right, our next and final one

is going to be
just a little bit of water

is going to be
just a little bit of water

to pop our final libation on there.
Water. Fine.

And then to finish it off,

And then to finish it off,

we've got a little bit of barley
to sprinkle over the top. OK.

we've got a little bit of barley
to sprinkle over the top. OK.

Again, a staple crop.
Another staple. Yeah, exactly.

Again, a staple crop.
Another staple. Yeah, exactly.

Very common in sacrifices.

So, the last thing
that we'll need to do

is you're gonna need
to sacrifice a ram and a yew. OK.

is you're gonna need
to sacrifice a ram and a yew. OK.

So I'll go and see what I can find.
OK.

So I'll go and see what I can find.
OK.

Right. Here she comes.
I've got a goat.

Right. Here she comes.
I've got a goat.

If you were
in the Ancient Greek world,

you would be sacrificing the animal

in order to get the blood
sinking down into the pit,

in order to get the blood
sinking down into the pit,

under the ground,
to the spirits of the underworld.

under the ground,
to the spirits of the underworld.

Well, now that we've got
to point no return,

I'm actually not sure
I want to open the underworld today.

I'm actually not sure
I want to open the underworld today.

Do you know what? I think she
is far too cute for that. Yeah.

Do you know what? I think she
is far too cute for that. Yeah.

I think we're gonna
have to leave it at that.

I think we're gonna
have to leave it at that.

The spirits can go hungry
for longer.

The spirits can go hungry
for longer.

BLEATS

BLEATS

Odysseus, however,
did open the underworld

Odysseus, however,
did open the underworld

and spoke to Tiresias,

who gave him guidance
for the next leg of his journey.

who gave him guidance
for the next leg of his journey.

But what was now very clear
was that his return to Ithaca

But what was now very clear
was that his return to Ithaca

was going to be long and testing.

was going to be long and testing.

Coming up,
I head to one of the greatest cities

Coming up,
I head to one of the greatest cities

from the Ancient Greek world,

from the Ancient Greek world,

and Odysseus's journey
goes from bad...

and Odysseus's journey
goes from bad...

..to worse.

There you go. That's what happens.

There you go. That's what happens.

That was full over.

DAN SNOW: My journey
into the Odyssey

has taken me across the seas,

from Troy in Turkey
to Greece's Ionian Islands.

from Troy in Turkey
to Greece's Ionian Islands.

from Troy in Turkey
to Greece's Ionian Islands.

But now I'm heading ashore...

But now I'm heading ashore...

..travelling to an ancient city

..travelling to an ancient city

that lies at the heart of our story.

that lies at the heart of our story.

It's pretty clear that the Odyssey
is not a true story,

It's pretty clear that the Odyssey
is not a true story,

but there are places mentioned
in the Odyssey that are real -

but there are places mentioned
in the Odyssey that are real -

but there are places mentioned
in the Odyssey that are real -

the island of Ithaca, Troy.

the island of Ithaca, Troy.

And there's also quite a few
mentions of this place here.

And there's also quite a few
mentions of this place here.

And there's also quite a few
mentions of this place here.

One of the most important,

one of the most magnificent cities

one of the most magnificent cities

in Ancient Greece, Mycenae.

in Ancient Greece, Mycenae.

At the time of the Trojan War,

Mycenae was the most powerful
of all the Greek cities,

Mycenae was the most powerful
of all the Greek cities,

home to the legendary king
Agamemnon.

home to the legendary king
Agamemnon.

This isn't the later Greek world
of the Parthenon, though,

This isn't the later Greek world
of the Parthenon, though,

with its beautiful columns.

Mycenae is a chunky fortress,

Mycenae is a chunky fortress,

Mycenae is a chunky fortress,

the perfect place

to explore the spectacular world
of the Odyssey.

to explore the spectacular world
of the Odyssey.

'Meeting me by its famous Lion Gate

'Meeting me by its famous Lion Gate

is ancient historian
Tristan Hughes.'

is ancient historian
Tristan Hughes.'

Look at this. This is
an overwhelming entrance, isn't it?

Look at this. This is
an overwhelming entrance, isn't it?

It's extraordinary.

It is one of the greatest sites
in Greece.

And that is saying something -

there's quite a few sites
to choose from.

But, yes, this place, Mycenae,

But, yes, this place, Mycenae,

it enjoyed its height
more than 3,000 years ago,

it enjoyed its height
more than 3,000 years ago,

at the time that the story
of the Odyssey is set.

at the time that the story
of the Odyssey is set.

So at the time of Julius Caesar,

So at the time of Julius Caesar,

this is already
a thousand years old.

this is already
a thousand years old.

More than a thousand years old.

We like to think of great monuments
like the Colosseum and the Parthenon

We like to think of great monuments
like the Colosseum and the Parthenon

being ancient, but to them,
THIS was ancient history.

being ancient, but to them,
THIS was ancient history.

being ancient, but to them,
THIS was ancient history.

It's just such a dramatic...

You're channelled in,
past this living rock here.

You're channelled in,
past this living rock here.

The enormous building blocks,
they're creating such an effect

The enormous building blocks,
they're creating such an effect

as they push you through this gate
with the lines above.

as they push you through this gate
with the lines above.

They really are. And when people
came here back in ancient times,

They really are. And when people
came here back in ancient times,

and they marvelled at this gateway,

and they marvelled at this gateway,

and they looked at the walls,
the stones themselves,

and they looked at the walls,
the stones themselves,

they thought these couldn't
have been built by men.

they thought these couldn't
have been built by men.

They must have been built
by the Cyclopes.

They must have been built
by the Cyclopes.

Wow. Giants.
Yes. Fantastic.

Wow. Giants.
Yes. Fantastic.

Once you've entered
through the Lion Gate,

Once you've entered
through the Lion Gate,

you have to climb to the very top
to reach the throne room.

you have to climb to the very top
to reach the throne room.

And this is a palace with a view.

And this is a palace with a view.

It's quite the walk.
It's a great walk. Worth it, though.

It's quite the walk.
It's a great walk. Worth it, though.

Look at that view. Extraordinary,
isn't it?It is worth it every time.

Look at that view. Extraordinary,
isn't it?It is worth it every time.

I mean, look at that.

I mean, look at that.

So, Greece today,
one big country, all unified.

So, Greece today,
one big country, all unified.

Not the case back then.
Absolutely not.

Not the case back then.
Absolutely not.

So, at the time
that the Odyssey is set,

So, at the time
that the Odyssey is set,

Greece is divided into many,
many different kingdoms,

Greece is divided into many,
many different kingdoms,

Greece is divided into many,
many different kingdoms,

some more powerful than others.

That's why you've got
so many kings knocking around

That's why you've got
so many kings knocking around

in the Odyssey, I suppose.
Yeah.

You've got several mentioned
in the Odyssey.

You've got Sparta,
and you've also got

You've got Sparta,
and you've also got

what is the capital of Greece today,
you've got Athens.

what is the capital of Greece today,
you've got Athens.

But in the story of the Odyssey,

who is the most powerful king
of them all?

who is the most powerful king
of them all?

It's Agamemnon, the King of Mycenae,
who would have resided here.

It's Agamemnon, the King of Mycenae,
who would have resided here.

They are evidence that, yes,
this was a powerful centre,

They are evidence that, yes,
this was a powerful centre,

They are evidence that, yes,
this was a powerful centre,

a powerful place,
more than 3,000 years ago.

a powerful place,
more than 3,000 years ago.

So you've got Odysseus, king of
the little island of Ithaca.Yeah.

So you've got Odysseus, king of
the little island of Ithaca.Yeah.

Agamemnon and him,
they're both kings,

Agamemnon and him,
they're both kings,

but Agamemnon's definitely
a bit above him, isn't he?

but Agamemnon's definitely
a bit above him, isn't he?

So, this is a big topic of debate.

So, this is a big topic of debate.

It could be for a time
that maybe the Mycenaean king,

It could be for a time
that maybe the Mycenaean king,

the person who ruled from here,
was almost a king of kings

the person who ruled from here,
was almost a king of kings

who could command lots of people
to come together

who could command lots of people
to come together

and join him for a raid or two
across the sea.

and join him for a raid or two
across the sea.

But as Odysseus is travelling,
he's able to talk to,

But as Odysseus is travelling,
he's able to talk to,

he's able to, you know,
have common customs and religion

he's able to, you know,
have common customs and religion

with the people
he's interacting with.

with the people
he's interacting with.

Yes. I'd like to think of it
as that world,

Yes. I'd like to think of it
as that world,

politically divided
with all of these kings,

politically divided
with all of these kings,

but culturally pretty similar -

but culturally pretty similar -

all speaking the same language,
all worshiping the same gods.

all speaking the same language,
all worshiping the same gods.

Mycenae towers over the landscape
even today,

Mycenae towers over the landscape
even today,

but it's spectacular
below ground too.

but it's spectacular
below ground too.

Built into the hillside
are royal tombs.

Built into the hillside
are royal tombs.

If you thought the Lion Gate

and the fortress above
were impressive,

this just takes your breath away.

The scale of the engineering,
it really is, I think,

The scale of the engineering,
it really is, I think,

on a par with places
like the pyramids in Egypt.

on a par with places
like the pyramids in Egypt.

Look at that amazing vaulted roof

Look at that amazing vaulted roof

and the way
that beautiful masonry...

and the way
that beautiful masonry...

they all fit in together perfectly,
even after 3,000 years.

they all fit in together perfectly,
even after 3,000 years.

they all fit in together perfectly,
even after 3,000 years.

The way the sound reverberates,

focusing on this point
right in the middle,

focusing on this point
right in the middle,

I think tells you just
how impressive the engineering was.

I think tells you just
how impressive the engineering was.

It's a magical place.

We've got really no idea
who this was for.

We've got really no idea
who this was for.

One thing you can say,

whoever was laid to rest in here
was a powerful person.

whoever was laid to rest in here
was a powerful person.

whoever was laid to rest in here
was a powerful person.

What I've really taken away
coming here

is that the Odyssey is a story
about mighty kings and princes

is that the Odyssey is a story
about mighty kings and princes

and palaces and cities,

and palaces and cities,

and maybe that's not exaggerated.

and maybe that's not exaggerated.

There's clearly something going on
in the Greek world in this period.

There's clearly something going on
in the Greek world in this period.

There's clearly something going on
in the Greek world in this period.

They're capable
of building structures like this.

They're capable
of building structures like this.

Why aren't they capable
of launching mighty fleets

Why aren't they capable
of launching mighty fleets

and armies across the sea?

and armies across the sea?

Somehow... coming here

Somehow... coming here

makes the scale of the Odyssey
seem more real.

makes the scale of the Odyssey
seem more real.

makes the scale of the Odyssey
seem more real.

Mycenae was much grander than
Odysseus's own kingdom of Ithaca...

Mycenae was much grander than
Odysseus's own kingdom of Ithaca...

..but it gives us an idea
of the kind of place

..but it gives us an idea
of the kind of place

that he was longing to get back to.

that he was longing to get back to.

By this stage of his journey,

Odysseus has been trying to get home
for about three years,

Odysseus has been trying to get home
for about three years,

and he is about to meet
some of his most infamous,

and he is about to meet
some of his most infamous,

most fearsome foes.

most fearsome foes.

But to tell those stories,
I need to get back on the water.

But to tell those stories,
I need to get back on the water.

At this stage of his journey,

Odysseus had been warned
that he and the remains of his crew

Odysseus had been warned
that he and the remains of his crew

were approaching the island
of the deadly sirens.

were approaching the island
of the deadly sirens.

were approaching the island
of the deadly sirens.

The story goes that sirens would
sing such an enchanting melody

The story goes that sirens would
sing such an enchanting melody

that it would force sailors,
so desperate to hear more,

that it would force sailors,
so desperate to hear more,

to change course
and smash their ships on the rocks.

to change course
and smash their ships on the rocks.

Odysseus knew the risks,

and so he told his men
to put wax in their ears.

and so he told his men
to put wax in their ears.

Tom, there you go.
Got some wax earplugs for you there.

Tom, there you go.
Got some wax earplugs for you there.

But don't put them in just yet,
cos I've got a job for you.Oh, God.

But don't put them in just yet,
cos I've got a job for you.Oh, God.

Odysseus, he wanted to hear
what the sirens had to say.

Odysseus, he wanted to hear
what the sirens had to say.

Odysseus, he wanted to hear
what the sirens had to say.

So he came up with a plan.

He would get his men
to lash him to the mast

He would get his men
to lash him to the mast

so he could hear it,

but he wouldn't be able
to swim over to face certain death.

but he wouldn't be able
to swim over to face certain death.

So, Tom, let's head up to the mast.
Yeah.

So, Tom, let's head up to the mast.
Yeah.

I need you to lash me tight to it.
Let's give it a go.

I need you to lash me tight to it.
Let's give it a go.

DAN CHUCKLES

Up at the mast.

Right, here we are, Dan.
Nice and tight.

Right, here we are, Dan.
Nice and tight.

Oh, that does feel tight. Yeah.

Can still breathe, can't you?
Just about.Just about.

Can still breathe, can't you?
Just about.Just about.

That's where we want it.
Yeah. It's that the sweet spot?

That's where we want it.
Yeah. It's that the sweet spot?

So, Tom, you ever heard the sirens?

You've heard a sweet melody that's
made you want to jump overboard?

You've heard a sweet melody that's
made you want to jump overboard?

Not here. They must have...
They must have moved away.

Not here. They must have...
They must have moved away.

Some people say it could have been
the sounds of mating seals.

Some people say it could have been
the sounds of mating seals.

That makes a little bit more sense,

cos we do have a good few monk seals
in the area.

cos we do have a good few monk seals
in the area.

I'm not sure that would make me
want to leap overboard.

I'm not sure that would make me
want to leap overboard.

No, the sound of mating seals,

it doesn't sound all that appealing
to me either, Dan.

it doesn't sound all that appealing
to me either, Dan.

Tied off.
Lovely. OK.

How does it feel?
Now, you go back to the helm.

How does it feel?
Now, you go back to the helm.

Stick that wax in your ears, buddy.

Tom, can you hear me?

Hey?

Perfect. Perfect. Keep them in.

Perfect. Perfect. Keep them in.

The ship neared the island,

The ship neared the island,

and across the waves came
the sweet tones of the sirens.

and across the waves came
the sweet tones of the sirens.

FEMALE VOICE:'Stop your ship
and listen to our voices.

FEMALE VOICE:'Stop your ship
and listen to our voices.

FEMALE VOICE:'Stop your ship
and listen to our voices.

'All those who pass this way

'All those who pass this way

'hear honeyed song
poured from our mouths.'

'hear honeyed song
poured from our mouths.'

They came to the island
of the sirens.

The men rode, earplugs in,
completely unconcerned.

The men rode, earplugs in,
completely unconcerned.

But Odysseus heard
these enchanting melodies.

But Odysseus heard
these enchanting melodies.

He was so drawn to them.
And you know what?

He was so drawn to them.
And you know what?

They were about him, Odysseus,
his greatness, his epic journey.

They were about him, Odysseus,
his greatness, his epic journey.

They were about him, Odysseus,
his greatness, his epic journey.

And that's why he was so excited.

'Odysseus... come here.

'Odysseus... come here.

'You are well-known
for many stories.

'You are well-known
for many stories.

'Glory of the Greeks.'

'Glory of the Greeks.'

He screamed, and he wriggled,
but it was all in vain.

He screamed, and he wriggled,
but it was all in vain.

He could not get out of his bonds.
Thank goodness.

He could not get out of his bonds.
Thank goodness.

And on they sailed,

his crew blissfully unaware
with their earplugs in.

his crew blissfully unaware
with their earplugs in.

Eventually, the sound of the sirens
died out,

Eventually, the sound of the sirens
died out,

and it was safe for the men
to take their earplugs out,

and it was safe for the men
to take their earplugs out,

and they sailed on.

Odysseus had controlled
his impulses, but only just.

Odysseus had controlled
his impulses, but only just.

Odysseus had controlled
his impulses, but only just.

Coming up,
the mother of all storms...

Coming up,
the mother of all storms...

..and I head off to the cave
of the goddess Calypso.

..and I head off to the cave
of the goddess Calypso.

..and I head off to the cave
of the goddess Calypso.

It's absolutely massive in here.

DAN SNOW: I'm voyaging in the wake

of the greatest journey ever told,
the Odyssey.

of the greatest journey ever told,
the Odyssey.

Having narrowly survived
the deadly song of the sirens,

Having narrowly survived
the deadly song of the sirens,

Odysseus and his crew were exhausted
and in need of rest.

Odysseus and his crew were exhausted
and in need of rest.

Odysseus and his crew were exhausted
and in need of rest.

They arrived at the island
of the sun god Helios.

They arrived at the island
of the sun god Helios.

Odysseus had been warned
to avoid this place,

Odysseus had been warned
to avoid this place,

but his tired men threatened mutiny.

but his tired men threatened mutiny.

Odysseus agreed to land
but made them swear

Odysseus agreed to land
but made them swear

not to eat the cattle or sheep
of the sun god.

not to eat the cattle or sheep
of the sun god.

The men agreed, but of course,
this wouldn't be the Odyssey

The men agreed, but of course,
this wouldn't be the Odyssey

The men agreed, but of course,
this wouldn't be the Odyssey

without a twist.

Me and Tom are heading
for a sheltered harbour

Me and Tom are heading
for a sheltered harbour

where we can moor up for the night.

where we can moor up for the night.

That's a very special harbour,
this one. It's called Sivota.

That's a very special harbour,
this one. It's called Sivota.

It's a great example
of the kind of harbours you get

in this part of Greece.

It's actually protected 360 degrees
by big, rocky cliffs,

It's actually protected 360 degrees
by big, rocky cliffs,

It's actually protected 360 degrees
by big, rocky cliffs,

which means that whatever the storm,
massive hurricane,

which means that whatever the storm,
massive hurricane,

you come in here,
and you could ride it out.

you come in here,
and you could ride it out.

So, the perfect place
for us to spend the night.

So, the perfect place
for us to spend the night.

And luckily for me,
a beautiful restaurant beckons.

And luckily for me,
a beautiful restaurant beckons.

There is nothing better
after a long day on the water,

There is nothing better
after a long day on the water,

There is nothing better
after a long day on the water,

with the sun beating down
and the wind in your hair,

with the sun beating down
and the wind in your hair,

than tying up your boat
safe and sound in a harbour,

than tying up your boat
safe and sound in a harbour,

coming to a taverna and enjoying
some of the world's greatest food.

coming to a taverna and enjoying
some of the world's greatest food.

coming to a taverna and enjoying
some of the world's greatest food.

Greek food.

I've got a sample of it here
in front of me.

Absolutely delicious.

And you get a real sense of that
in the Odyssey.

And you get a real sense of that
in the Odyssey.

Eating was a highlight
for these guys.

Eating was a highlight
for these guys.

There are so many feasts
in the Odyssey.

There are so many feasts
in the Odyssey.

Homer describes them.

He also describes
what they're eating.

It tends to be bread,
meat, and what he calls sweet wine.

It tends to be bread,
meat, and what he calls sweet wine.

It tends to be bread,
meat, and what he calls sweet wine.

It tends to be bread,
meat, and what he calls sweet wine.

In fact, it's meat,

more specifically beef,
like this here,

more specifically beef,
like this here,

that gives us
one of the most tragic,

that gives us
one of the most tragic,

one of the most traumatic moments,
of the Odyssey.

one of the most traumatic moments,
of the Odyssey.

Odysseus's stop
on the island of the sun god

Odysseus's stop
on the island of the sun god

was only supposed to be a quick one,

was only supposed to be a quick one,

but the weather changed once again,

but the weather changed once again,

and Odysseus and his men
were trapped on the island.

and Odysseus and his men
were trapped on the island.

They ate all the supplies
they brought with them.

They ate all the supplies
they brought with them.

Then they started hunting
across the island for birds.

Then they started hunting
across the island for birds.

They picked the place clean.

They fished in the seas
around the island.

They fished in the seas
around the island.

But still,
the bad weather continued.

But still,
the bad weather continued.

One day, it got to the point
where they were facing starvation.

One day, it got to the point
where they were facing starvation.

They were desperate.

They were going to die
of malnutrition on this island.

They were going to die
of malnutrition on this island.

And when Odysseus went off
for a bit of quiet time by himself,

And when Odysseus went off
for a bit of quiet time by himself,

the rest of them came together
and hatched a plot.

the rest of them came together
and hatched a plot.

They agreed
that they would rather anything

They agreed
that they would rather anything

than die a slow death of hunger
on this island.

than die a slow death of hunger
on this island.

They were gonna take their chance
with the wrath of the gods.

They were gonna take their chance
with the wrath of the gods.

All these delicious-looking cows
wandering around,

All these delicious-looking cows
wandering around,

it was too much temptation.

it was too much temptation.

They sharpened their blades

They sharpened their blades

and got ready to cook up
some barbecued beef.

and got ready to cook up
some barbecued beef.

That was delicious.

I can see why they did it.

I can see why they did it.

I'd throw my life away
for a decent bit of beef.

I'd throw my life away
for a decent bit of beef.

And they said, "You know what?

"We're gonna sacrifice
to the sun god when we get back,

"We're gonna sacrifice
to the sun god when we get back,

"build the biggest temple
you've ever seen,

"sacrifice all our best animals.

"He'll be fine with it.
He'll be fine with it."

"He'll be fine with it.
He'll be fine with it."

SIGHS

But he wasn't.

Helios appealed to Zeus,
king of the gods,

Helios appealed to Zeus,
king of the gods,

and he vowed to destroy Odysseus
and his remaining crew.

and he vowed to destroy Odysseus
and his remaining crew.

and he vowed to destroy Odysseus
and his remaining crew.

After a few days,
the weather improved enough

After a few days,
the weather improved enough

for Odysseus's men
to put back out to sea,

for Odysseus's men
to put back out to sea,

but Odysseus did so
with a heavy heart

because he knew what was coming.

because he knew what was coming.

And indeed, divine retaliation
was swift and terrible.

And indeed, divine retaliation
was swift and terrible.

And indeed, divine retaliation
was swift and terrible.

I'll let Odysseus
pick up the story here

because he describes it
in the Odyssey.

because he describes it
in the Odyssey.

MALE VOICE:'Zeus made a mass
of dark-blue storm clouds

MALE VOICE:'Zeus made a mass
of dark-blue storm clouds

'hang over our ship.

'Then came the winds,
shrieking noisily,

'Then came the winds,
shrieking noisily,

'rushing with torrential tempest.'

'rushing with torrential tempest.'

That's a bit of a gust
off the island there.

Whoa! I see what you mean.

'Zeus thundered and hurled
lightning bolts to strike the ship.

'Zeus thundered and hurled
lightning bolts to strike the ship.

'Zeus thundered and hurled
lightning bolts to strike the ship.

'All the men fell overboard,
and they were swept away.'

'All the men fell overboard,
and they were swept away.'

'All the men fell overboard,
and they were swept away.'

And that was it for Odysseus's crew.

And that was it for Odysseus's crew.

None of them
would ever see Ithaca again.

None of them
would ever see Ithaca again.

But Odysseus
didn't share their fate.

But Odysseus
didn't share their fate.

He managed to grab
onto some wreckage

and survive this terrible ordeal.

Unlike his crew,

who had been fatally punished
for offending the gods.

who had been fatally punished
for offending the gods.

Throughout the Odyssey,
the gods play a huge role

Throughout the Odyssey,
the gods play a huge role

in the day-to-day lives
of ordinary people.

in the day-to-day lives
of ordinary people.

'I'm meeting with Greek goddess
expert Dr Tulsi Parikh

'I'm meeting with Greek goddess
expert Dr Tulsi Parikh

'I'm meeting with Greek goddess
expert Dr Tulsi Parikh

'to see if this is
how Ancient Greek people

'to see if this is
how Ancient Greek people

'actually saw the world.'

'actually saw the world.'

So, the gods play a massive part
in the Odyssey.

So, the gods play a massive part
in the Odyssey.

Is that just storytelling,

or do you think this is something
that the Greeks would have believed?

or do you think this is something
that the Greeks would have believed?

I think it's a bit of both, really.

The gods are so important
in the Odyssey,

The gods are so important
in the Odyssey,

and they really kind of steer
the events and the outcomes,

and they really kind of steer
the events and the outcomes,

good and bad.

But it's based in the belief
that the gods were everywhere.

But it's based in the belief
that the gods were everywhere.

They were really present
in the lives of everyone,

They were really present
in the lives of everyone,

so from jobs to relationships,

so from jobs to relationships,

marriage to health.

marriage to health.

But the gods are a bit like humans
in that they change their minds,

But the gods are a bit like humans
in that they change their minds,

they are jealous and angry.

They're not very godlike,
in some way.

They're just extremely powerful.

Yeah. I think that's the main thing.

That's the main difference
between the gods and humans.

That's the main difference
between the gods and humans.

They're immortal,
and they're powerful,

but they still do have
those emotions -

the jealousy, the rage.

But those are the things
that humans fear and avoid.

But those are the things
that humans fear and avoid.

It's very important to keep
their gods happy and on your side.

It's very important to keep
their gods happy and on your side.

So when there's bad weather
or there's a coincidence,

So when there's bad weather
or there's a coincidence,

it seems like the Ancient Greeks
suddenly go,

it seems like the Ancient Greeks
suddenly go,

"Oh, it must be the gods."

Whereas, we might say
it's coincidence,

or it's science, whatever.
Exactly.

The Ancient Greeks
see the gods everywhere.

So a storm, a shipwreck,

So a storm, a shipwreck,

anything that happens
that is either good or very bad

anything that happens
that is either good or very bad

anything that happens
that is either good or very bad

must be the gods.

There's a bit in the Odyssey
where it said,

"You've got to be careful
who you're mean to

"cos it could be a god in disguise."

So they occasionally just pop on
a disguise and walk among us.

So they occasionally just pop on
a disguise and walk among us.

I mean, we see that a lot
in myths and stories.

I mean, we see that a lot
in myths and stories.

Whether this happened,

or people believe this was happening
in daily life,

or people believe this was happening
in daily life,

very difficult to know.

I would definitely go around
saying, "Hey, be nice to me.

I would definitely go around
saying, "Hey, be nice to me.

"I could be Apollo."
Exactly.

For Odysseus, it must have
seemed like the end of the road.

For Odysseus, it must have
seemed like the end of the road.

He would surely never see
his homeland again.

He would surely never see
his homeland again.

Just me and my little boat now
in the middle of the Ionian.

Just me and my little boat now
in the middle of the Ionian.

This reminds me
of the part in the Odyssey

where, finally, Zeus has smashed
them with his lightning bolts...

where, finally, Zeus has smashed
them with his lightning bolts...

..and this is really, I think,
Odysseus's lowest point.

..and this is really, I think,
Odysseus's lowest point.

'But then, on the horizon,
a speck of land appeared.'

'But then, on the horizon,
a speck of land appeared.'

As for me, well,
I'm arriving at Meganisi,

As for me, well,
I'm arriving at Meganisi,

another island that feels
like it has been plucked

another island that feels
like it has been plucked

right out of the pages
of the Odyssey.

right out of the pages
of the Odyssey.

It's absolutely massive in here.

ECHOING: The sound is extraordinary.

ECHOING: The sound is extraordinary.

Odysseus of Ithaca!

Odysseus of Ithaca!

Whoo!

OK, I'm landing on the beach.

GRUNTS

By this point of the Odyssey,

By this point of the Odyssey,

Odysseus is now completely alone.

Odysseus is now completely alone.

He's lost his crew.
He's lost his ship.

He's lost his crew.
He's lost his ship.

But he does get washed up
on yet another island.

But he does get washed up
on yet another island.

But he does get washed up
on yet another island.

This one...
home to the divine Calypso.

This one...
home to the divine Calypso.

This one...
home to the divine Calypso.

Calypso was a beautiful nymph

Calypso was a beautiful nymph

living on the paradise-like island
of Ogygia.

living on the paradise-like island
of Ogygia.

She quickly fell in love
with Odysseus

She quickly fell in love
with Odysseus

and made sure
that despite his desire to leave,

and made sure
that despite his desire to leave,

he couldn't.

Calypso kept Odysseus prisoner.

Calypso kept Odysseus prisoner.

He slept alongside her in her cave
for seven years.

He slept alongside her in her cave
for seven years.

He slept alongside her in her cave
for seven years.

By day, the Odyssey reports
that he would go down to the shore.

By day, the Odyssey reports
that he would go down to the shore.

By day, the Odyssey reports
that he would go down to the shore.

His eyes were always tearful.

His eyes were always tearful.

'He wept sweet life away
in the longing to go back home.

'He wept sweet life away
in the longing to go back home.

'He had no choice.

'He spent his nights with her
inside a hollow cave.'

'He spent his nights with her
inside a hollow cave.'

Odysseus must have felt
like he was going nowhere

Odysseus must have felt
like he was going nowhere

and his life was slipping away.

Eventually, after seven long years,

Eventually, after seven long years,

the goddess Athena
came to Odysseus's rescue

the goddess Athena
came to Odysseus's rescue

and organised his release.

After more adventures,

he eventually found himself
on a ship

he eventually found himself
on a ship

that sailed him home to Ithaca.

that sailed him home to Ithaca.

After ten long years of voyaging,

After ten long years of voyaging,

his own crew were all dead,

his own crew were all dead,

but his homeland was in sight.

but his homeland was in sight.

Right. We're getting close.
We're almost there, Dan.

Right. We're getting close.
We're almost there, Dan.

Feels good to get to Ithaca.
This is the northern end, is it?

Feels good to get to Ithaca.
This is the northern end, is it?

This is pretty much
as north as we can go.

This is pretty much
as north as we can go.

There's a little bit more
extending past,

but we're pretty much
as north as you can get.

but we're pretty much
as north as you can get.

We're mooring up for the night
just off shore,

We're mooring up for the night
just off shore,

ready to explore Ithaca tomorrow.

ready to explore Ithaca tomorrow.

I'm getting a bit carried away now.
I mean, I know it is a myth,

I'm getting a bit carried away now.
I mean, I know it is a myth,

but wouldn't it be great if there
was a little bit of truth to it?

but wouldn't it be great if there
was a little bit of truth to it?

If this was Odysseus's island

If this was Odysseus's island

and this is where he came back in
after 20 years.

and this is where he came back in
after 20 years.

Ah, there we go.

Ah, there we go.

Ithaca.

Ah.

It's nice and early.

You often wake up early on boats,
whether you like it or not.

You often wake up early on boats,
whether you like it or not.

Luckily, I do like it,

particularly cos you get to look
at these beautiful sunrises.

particularly cos you get to look
at these beautiful sunrises.

particularly cos you get to look
at these beautiful sunrises.

We can guess that Homer
would have loved a dawn like this

We can guess that Homer
would have loved a dawn like this

because he's often referring
to them,

because he's often referring
to them,

and he uses different expressions
which are fantastic.

and he uses different expressions
which are fantastic.

He says, "Dawn rose
and filled the sky with blossom."

He says, "Dawn rose
and filled the sky with blossom."

He says, "Dawn rose
and filled the sky with blossom."

Or, "Dawn, with her pinky fingers,
rose from the sea."

Or, "Dawn, with her pinky fingers,
rose from the sea."

So it's easy to imagine Odysseus,
thousands of years ago,

So it's easy to imagine Odysseus,
thousands of years ago,

So it's easy to imagine Odysseus,
thousands of years ago,

watching sunrises just like this
in these waters.

watching sunrises just like this
in these waters.

But I can't admire this sunrise
for long.

It's time to go ashore
like Odysseus and explore Ithaca.

It's time to go ashore
like Odysseus and explore Ithaca.

It's time to go ashore
like Odysseus and explore Ithaca.

Ithaca is absolutely covered
in caves,

Ithaca is absolutely covered
in caves,

Ithaca is absolutely covered
in caves,

and because
of its famous connection

and because
of its famous connection

to the Odyssey,

every single one of these caves
has been given a legendary status.

every single one of these caves
has been given a legendary status.

every single one of these caves
has been given a legendary status.

This one is said by some people
to be where Eumaeus lived.

This one is said by some people
to be where Eumaeus lived.

Now, Eumaeus is the swineherd
of the King of Ithaca,

Now, Eumaeus is the swineherd
of the King of Ithaca,

Now, Eumaeus is the swineherd
of the King of Ithaca,

the person who looks after
all his pigs.

He's a lowly servant, a slave even.

He's a lowly servant, a slave even.

But Odysseus decided
that he could be trusted,

But Odysseus decided
that he could be trusted,

and so when he first arrives
at Ithaca,

and so when he first arrives
at Ithaca,

he actually goes
and stays with Eumaeus,

he actually goes
and stays with Eumaeus,

judges the lay of the land,
sees what you can find out,

judges the lay of the land,
sees what you can find out,

and then starts to hatch a plan

about how he's gonna win back
his kingdom.

about how he's gonna win back
his kingdom.

Eventually,
Odysseus decides to find out

Eventually,
Odysseus decides to find out

what's going on at the palace.

what's going on at the palace.

I'm climbing up to investigate
some very mysterious ruins.

I'm climbing up to investigate
some very mysterious ruins.

I'm climbing up to investigate
some very mysterious ruins.

You just get a sense
of how rocky Ithaca is.

You just get a sense
of how rocky Ithaca is.

Up quite high now, and look here.

Up quite high now, and look here.

We've got some big,
nicely shaped stones there,

We've got some big,
nicely shaped stones there,

so I think we're getting
to the start

of the archaeological site.

Let's keep pushing on up there.

Let's keep pushing on up there.

Here we go. This is getting...

Oh, yeah,
much more substantial here.

You can see, look,
we've got some buildings

from different periods
and different styles,

but this one's majestic here.
Very palatial.

but this one's majestic here.
Very palatial.

That does remind me, in some ways,
of the Lion Gate at Mycenae.

That does remind me, in some ways,
of the Lion Gate at Mycenae.

That does remind me, in some ways,
of the Lion Gate at Mycenae.

But also, look at this position.

If you're trying
to dominate an island,

If you're trying
to dominate an island,

well, you're dominating physically
the landscape here.

well, you're dominating physically
the landscape here.

You can see the sea down there,
other islands,

the sea over in that direction.

It's quite the place.

It's quite the place.

And it's not for nothing that
this place was known for centuries

And it's not for nothing that
this place was known for centuries

And it's not for nothing that
this place was known for centuries

as the palace of Odysseus.

It's nothing like
the monumental scale of Mycenae,

It's nothing like
the monumental scale of Mycenae,

but the large stone blocks
are similar.

but the large stone blocks
are similar.

Clearly, this was once
a wealthy place,

Clearly, this was once
a wealthy place,

maybe even the home of a local king.

maybe even the home of a local king.

You can see why Odysseus was so keen
to get home.

You can see why Odysseus was so keen
to get home.

It's a spectacular stretch
of wall here.

It's a spectacular stretch
of wall here.

I'm pretty sure I'm not
the first history-loving tourist

I'm pretty sure I'm not
the first history-loving tourist

to come here and wonder whether,
just possibly,

to come here and wonder whether,
just possibly,

this place could be connected
with Odysseus.

this place could be connected
with Odysseus.

this place could be connected
with Odysseus.

I do feel a little bit silly
about the fact

I do feel a little bit silly
about the fact

that I just, deep down, would love
this to have been Odysseus's palace.

that I just, deep down, would love
this to have been Odysseus's palace.

But I feel better because we know

But I feel better because we know

from the things that archaeologists
have found here

from the things that archaeologists
have found here

that for thousands of years,
visitors like me

have been doing
exactly the same thing.

Ancient Greeks, Ancient Romans,
people ever since have been coming.

Ancient Greeks, Ancient Romans,
people ever since have been coming.

They've been leaving trinkets
with the name of Odysseus on them.

They've been leaving trinkets
with the name of Odysseus on them.

They've been leaving trinkets
with the name of Odysseus on them.

This has always been a place
where people have come,

This has always been a place
where people have come,

wanting to connect
with the greatest story ever told.

wanting to connect
with the greatest story ever told.

Coming up,
the Odyssey's bloody homecoming,

Coming up,
the Odyssey's bloody homecoming,

Coming up,
the Odyssey's bloody homecoming,

and I get to the end
of my own odyssey.

and I get to the end
of my own odyssey.

DAN SNOW: I've sailed across
the glorious Ionian Sea,

DAN SNOW: I've sailed across
the glorious Ionian Sea,

following the story of the Odyssey,

following the story of the Odyssey,

loving every moment.

loving every moment.

Now I'm on Ithaca,
Odysseus's home island,

Now I'm on Ithaca,
Odysseus's home island,

Now I'm on Ithaca,
Odysseus's home island,

and the story is about to reach
its famous conclusion.

and the story is about to reach
its famous conclusion.

Starting with our wily hero

Starting with our wily hero

patiently plotting
how to safely reclaim his throne.

patiently plotting
how to safely reclaim his throne.

Odysseus decided
to approach the palace,

to go up and have
a little snoop around,

work out what to do next,
disguised as a beggar.

work out what to do next,
disguised as a beggar.

But as he got close,
he was recognised not by a human

But as he got close,
he was recognised not by a human

But as he got close,
he was recognised not by a human

but, very movingly,
by his old dog Argos,

but, very movingly,
by his old dog Argos,

but, very movingly,
by his old dog Argos,

who he'd last seen as a puppy
20 years before.

who he'd last seen as a puppy
20 years before.

who he'd last seen as a puppy
20 years before.

Now Argos is old,
he's been neglected.

Now Argos is old,
he's been neglected.

He's actually lying on a dung hill.

He's actually lying on a dung hill.

But his ears go back.

He recognises that his master
has finally, finally returned.

He recognises that his master
has finally, finally returned.

He gives a joyous yelp.

He gives a joyous yelp.

At that same moment, he dies.

At that same moment, he dies.

I think, for Odysseus,

this is a real moment
where it just hits him.

this is a real moment
where it just hits him.

How much life here at home
he's missed out on

How much life here at home
he's missed out on

How much life here at home
he's missed out on

during his decades-long journey.

during his decades-long journey.

And Odysseus hasn't got back
a moment too soon,

And Odysseus hasn't got back
a moment too soon,

because the crisis that has gripped
his household for decades

because the crisis that has gripped
his household for decades

is about to come to a head.

is about to come to a head.

Bear in mind Odysseus has been away
for 20 years.

Bear in mind Odysseus has been away
for 20 years.

Everyone assumes he's dead,
fish food.

Everyone assumes he's dead,
fish food.

And so all the eligible lads

And so all the eligible lads

from this island
and the surrounding islands

from this island
and the surrounding islands

have come to Odysseus's palace

trying to marry his widow, Penelope.

trying to marry his widow, Penelope.

So Penelope and her young son
Telemachus

So Penelope and her young son
Telemachus

are surrounded on every side
by these suitors.

are surrounded on every side
by these suitors.

And by the way, while they're
asking her to marry them,

And by the way, while they're
asking her to marry them,

they're eating all the food,
they're banqueting.

they're eating all the food,
they're banqueting.

They're taking advantage
of that hospitality.

They're taking advantage
of that hospitality.

So if Odysseus is gonna get
his wife back, get his happy ending,

So if Odysseus is gonna get
his wife back, get his happy ending,

it looks like his biggest battle
is yet to come.

it looks like his biggest battle
is yet to come.

But surprisingly, it wasn't
something that Odysseus did

But surprisingly, it wasn't
something that Odysseus did

that would spark
his triumphant comeback.

that would spark
his triumphant comeback.

Instead, it was his wife.

Instead, it was his wife.

Penelope announced that there
would be an archery competition.

Penelope announced that there
would be an archery competition.

She had 12 battle axes lined up,
one behind the other.

She had 12 battle axes lined up,
one behind the other.

She had 12 battle axes lined up,
one behind the other.

Each of them had a hole in it,

and she demanded that the suitors
all have a go at shooting an arrow

and she demanded that the suitors
all have a go at shooting an arrow

and she demanded that the suitors
all have a go at shooting an arrow

through all of those holes.

through all of those holes.

To make it even harder,

she said that they had to use
Odysseus's great bow.

she said that they had to use
Odysseus's great bow.

she said that they had to use
Odysseus's great bow.

This was a weapon that only someone

This was a weapon that only someone

with the strength and skill
of a hero would be able to wield.

with the strength and skill
of a hero would be able to wield.

with the strength and skill
of a hero would be able to wield.

Whichever suitor proved successful,

Whichever suitor proved successful,

that man would have her hand
in marriage.

that man would have her hand
in marriage.

Suitor after suitor failed
to even string the bow,

Suitor after suitor failed
to even string the bow,

Suitor after suitor failed
to even string the bow,

let alone complete the challenge.

Until finally, Odysseus,

disguised as a lowly beggar,
stepped forward.

disguised as a lowly beggar,
stepped forward.

Odysseus took up the bow.

Odysseus took up the bow.

There were gales of laughter
from the suitors

There were gales of laughter
from the suitors

as they scoffed at the idea

that this beggar would be the one
to complete Penelope's challenge.

that this beggar would be the one
to complete Penelope's challenge.

that this beggar would be the one
to complete Penelope's challenge.

But he calmly strung the bow

But he calmly strung the bow

and prepared to shoot.

and prepared to shoot.

The arrow whistled
through all the arrowheads.

The arrow whistled
through all the arrowheads.

The suitors stood there
in stunned silence.

The suitors stood there
in stunned silence.

The suitors stood there
in stunned silence.

But before the suitors could react
to this incredible feat,

But before the suitors could react
to this incredible feat,

Odysseus knocked another arrow

Odysseus knocked another arrow

and turned to the men who had
laid siege to his home for years...

and turned to the men who had
laid siege to his home for years...

and turned to the men who had
laid siege to his home for years...

..and he launched a barrage
of arrows at them.

..and he launched a barrage
of arrows at them.

The palace becomes a battlefield.

The palace becomes a battlefield.

Telemachus joins his father,

and father and son
fight side by side

and father and son
fight side by side

against the men who have been
tormenting the family,

against the men who have been
tormenting the family,

against the men who have been
tormenting the family,

who have been eating up,
devouring their wealth.

who have been eating up,
devouring their wealth.

It ends with Odysseus and his son

It ends with Odysseus and his son

surrounded by mounds of corpses,

surrounded by mounds of corpses,

surrounded by mounds of corpses,

splashing through blood shin-deep.

splashing through blood shin-deep.

Silence reigned over the island
once again.

Silence reigned over the island
once again.

Finally, Odysseus was home
with his wife and son,

Finally, Odysseus was home
with his wife and son,

reclaiming his palace and throne.

reclaiming his palace and throne.

Behind him lay a trail of death
and destruction from Troy to Ithaca.

Behind him lay a trail of death
and destruction from Troy to Ithaca.

Behind him lay a trail of death
and destruction from Troy to Ithaca.

Behind him lay a trail of death
and destruction from Troy to Ithaca.

His odyssey was over.

His odyssey was over.

It has been the greatest experience,
sailing the waters of the Odyssey,

It has been the greatest experience,
sailing the waters of the Odyssey,

It has been the greatest experience,
sailing the waters of the Odyssey,

visiting these islands,
exploring the caves...

visiting these islands,
exploring the caves...

..ancient palaces and tombs.

..ancient palaces and tombs.

It's brought this great tale
to life.

It's brought this great tale
to life.

The wonderful thing
about the Odyssey

is that it's an unbeatable story.
It's got it all.

is that it's an unbeatable story.
It's got it all.

It's got gods and monsters
and fighting and romance,

It's got gods and monsters
and fighting and romance,

a climactic battle, and then
a happy ending for the hero.

a climactic battle, and then
a happy ending for the hero.

a climactic battle, and then
a happy ending for the hero.

But as well as that,
it is a time machine,

But as well as that,
it is a time machine,

and it takes us back to the people

and it takes us back to the people

who lived in this landscape
and sailed these seas

who lived in this landscape
and sailed these seas

3,000 years ago.

3,000 years ago.

It has been
one of the greatest experiences.

It has been
one of the greatest experiences.

It has been
one of the greatest experiences.