What can paintings of monsters, temptations and a long-awaited homecoming teach us about being human? Join Anastasiia, a professional artist and art historian, to discover Homer’s The Odyssey through classic paintings from across the ages. Following the story from start to finish, we’ll explore how artists have imagined its adventures, characters and dramatic encounters—and how different paintings can give the same scene a new meaning. Whether you’ve read the poem or have never heard its story, this is an inviting way into a world of extraordinary journeys and surprisingly familiar human struggles.

As Anastasiia introduces each painting and the episode behind it, we’ll discuss the art, uncover symbolism and share our interpretations. What do these scenes suggest about courage, loyalty, desire and belonging? How do artists guide our sympathies, and why has this ancient story continued to inspire people across generations? No knowledge of art or literature is necessary: the images and explanations will give everyone a starting point. Expect vivid storytelling, lively conversation and the pleasure of discovering connections—a chance to build cultural knowledge while exploring why The Odyssey still has so much to say to us.

那些画着怪物、诱惑和一场等了很久的归乡的画，能教我们什么关于做人的事？跟着 Anastasiia 来，通过各个时代的经典画作认识荷马的《奥德赛》。她是职业艺术家，也是艺术史学家。我们会从头到尾跟着这个故事走，看看艺术家们是怎么想象里面的冒险、人物和那些戏剧性的遭遇的——以及不同的画怎么给同一个场景赋予新的意思。不管你读过这首诗，还是从来没听过这个故事，这都是一个很好进入的方式，走进一个充满非凡旅程、又意外地特别熟悉的人类挣扎的世界。

Anastasiia 会介绍每一幅画和它背后的那段故事，我们会聊艺术、挖象征，也分享自己的解读。这些场景对勇气、忠诚、欲望和归属感意味着什么？艺术家是怎么引导我们的同情的，为什么这个古老的故事能一直激励一代又一代人？不需要任何艺术或文学知识：图像和讲解会给每个人一个起点。会有生动的故事、热闹的聊天，还有发现连接的那种快乐——一个积累文化知识的机会，同时也看看为什么《奥德赛》到现在还有那么多话想对我们说。