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

Summary

Homer's 'Odyssey' tells of Odysseus's mythical journey, including an encounter with the sorceress Circe who turns men into animals. Recent scientific interest suggests that the tale's mention of herbs like Jimson weed, which can cause hallucinations and amnesia, and the protective herb 'moly' (possibly snowdrop), hint at real experiences. This challenges the traditional view of the 'Odyssey' as pure fiction, suggesting that ancient myths may contain elements of truth.

Takeaways

• 📜 'Odyssey' is one of the oldest works of Western literature, featuring the adventures of the Greek hero Odysseus during his ten-year journey home from the Trojan War.
• 🐉 The story includes mythical encounters with monsters, giants, and magicians, which were traditionally considered to be purely fictional.
• 🏝️ In the episode on the island of Aeaea, Odysseus and his crew encounter the sorceress Circe, who turns the crew into animals after feeding them a feast.
• 🌿 The text mentions the use of herbs and drugs, suggesting that the myths might be fictional expressions of real experiences with psychoactive plants.
• 🌿 Jimson weed, a plant from the Mediterranean, causes amnesia and hallucinations, which aligns with the crew's experience of forgetting their homeland and believing they turned into animals.
• 🔮 The plant moly, given to Odysseus by Hermes to protect against Circe's magic, is described with specific characteristics and was later identified with the plant snowdrop.
• 🧪 Snowdrop contains galantamine, which can prevent the disruption of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, offering a scientific basis for its protective effects as described in the myth.
• 🧪 Theophrastus, a 4th-century Greek writer, mentioned moly as an antidote against poisons, providing historical context to its medicinal use.
• 🧐 The script suggests that ancient myths might contain elements of truth, reflecting real experiences with natural substances.
• 🔍 As our understanding of the world advances, we may continue to uncover knowledge hidden within ancient myths and legends.

Q & A

What is the 'Odyssey' and why is it significant in Western literature?

The 'Odyssey' is one of the oldest works of Western literature, recounting the adventures of the Greek hero Odysseus during his ten-year journey home from the Trojan War. It is significant because it provides insights into ancient Greek culture and storytelling, and it has influenced literature for centuries.

What are some of the mythical elements found in Odysseus' journey as described in the 'Odyssey'?

Odysseus encounters strange monsters, terrifying giants, and powerful magicians during his journey, which are considered to be complete fiction and part of the mythological narrative.

How does the island of Aeaea and the sorceress Circe play a role in the 'Odyssey'?

On the mysterious island of Aeaea, Odysseus and his crew are welcomed by the sorceress Circe, who turns the crew into animals after they feast in her home. This episode is a famous part of the 'Odyssey' that showcases the mythical and magical elements of the story.

What advice does the messenger god Hermes give to Odysseus in the 'Odyssey'?

Hermes advises Odysseus to consume a magical herb called moly before confronting Circe, which allows him to resist her spells and ultimately defeat her to rescue his crew.

What is the significance of the herb moly in the story of the 'Odyssey'?

Moly is significant as it is a protective herb that grants Odysseus immunity to Circe's enchantments, enabling him to save his crew. It is described with specific characteristics, suggesting it may have a basis in real plants known for their medicinal properties.

How might the mythical elements of the 'Odyssey' be connected to real-world plants and their effects?

The 'Odyssey' mentions various herbs and drugs, such as Jimson weed, which can cause amnesia and hallucinations, and moly, which may be a real plant with anti-hallucinatory effects, suggesting that the myths could be fictional expressions of real experiences.

What is the role of Jimson weed in the context of the 'Odyssey' and its potential real-world connection?

Jimson weed, which grows in the Mediterranean region, has effects that include amnesia and hallucinations, potentially explaining the crew's belief they were turned into animals. This suggests that the mythical elements might be based on the real effects of such plants.

Who discovered the real-world plant that may correspond to moly, and what is its significance?

Russian pharmacologist Mikhail Mashkovsky discovered a plant used by villagers in the Ural Mountains, which was later identified as snowdrop, containing a compound that prevents the disruption of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, potentially aligning with the properties of moly.

What was the proposal made by Doctors Andreas Plaitakis and Roger Duvoisin regarding the plant Hermes gave to Odysseus?

Doctors Andreas Plaitakis and Roger Duvoisin proposed at the 12th World Congress of Neurology that snowdrop, a plant with a milk-white flower and a black root, might be the plant Hermes gave to Odysseus as moly.

What does the mention of moly as an antidote against poisons by the Greek writer Theophrastus suggest about ancient knowledge?

The mention of moly as an antidote in a passage by Theophrastus indicates that people in ancient times might have had knowledge about the medicinal properties of plants, which could have been incorporated into myths and legends.

What broader implications do these connections between mythology and real-world plants have for our understanding of ancient stories?

These connections suggest that ancient stories, like those in the 'Odyssey', may contain elements of truth or be based on real experiences that were later mythologized, challenging the view that they were purely fictional.