With their irresistible song, the sirens tempt Odysseus in an 1891 oil painting, 1891 by J.W. Waterhouse.

The Odyssey offers monsters and magic—and also a real look into the ancient world

Odysseus, the wandering hero of Homer’s epic poem The Odyssey, was a mythological character, but the real history of the Bronze Age can be found in his fantastic tale.

Power of words

Sirens and their irresistible songs tempt Odysseus on his journey home. 1891 oil painting, J.W. Waterhouse.
Bridgeman/ACI
This content is Subscriber-Exclusive
You must have a National Geographic subscription to explore this article.