Let's Talk About Myths, Baby! | Greek Mythology & the Ancient Mediterranean

This is an episode of Ancient History Fangirl . Have you noticed that our tech overlords cannot be normal about the Roman Empire? Elon Musk has approximately 14 known children, which he refers to as his “Legion.” Mark Zuckerberg famously took the Emperor Augustus on his honeymoon. And in some of the darker corners of the Internet (and real life), wildly rich techbros openly fantasize about a “Red Caesar” who will come to rule us all. Why is that? Where does this obsession with ancient Rome come from, specifically among our techbro overlords? In this episode, we’re going to attempt to unpack that. AVAILABLE NOW! The Odyssey: a Modern Retelling. Submit your question for the next Q&A via email or a voice note . Get ad-free episodes and so, so much more, by subscribing to the Oracle Edition at patreon.com/mythsbaby . Enter our podcast guest form if you'd like to be on the show as a conversation guest! CW/TW: far too many Greek myths involve assault. I try to provide direct warnings when there is reference to anything with overtly traumatic themes but be aware that Greek mythology regularly features assault, death, and many other potentially triggering events. Attributions and licensing information for music used in the podcast can be found here: mythsbaby.com/sources-attributions . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

More Herodotus because why not at the end of the day? AVAILABLE NOW! The Odyssey: a Modern Retelling. Submit your question for the next Q&A via email or a voice note . Get ad-free episodes and so, so much more, by subscribing to the Oracle Edition at patreon.com/mythsbaby . Enter our podcast guest form if you'd like to be on the show as a conversation guest! CW/TW: far too many Greek myths involve assault. I try to provide direct warnings when there is reference to anything with overtly traumatic themes but be aware that Greek mythology regularly features assault, death, and many other potentially triggering events. Sources: Herodotus' Histories, translated by Tom Holland. Attributions and licensing information for music used in the podcast can be found here: mythsbaby.com/sources-attributions . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Liv reads Book 22of Homer's Odyssey, translated by Ian Johnston. This entire book is basically just a massacre... thanks Odysseus! This modern translation is used with immense gratitude to translator Ian Johnston and Vancouver Island University . Submit questions and prompts for future Odyssey readings at mythsbaby.com/questions and get ad-free episodes and so, so much more, by subscribing to the Oracle Edition at patreon.com/mythsbaby CW/TW: far too many Greek myths involve assault. I try to provide direct warnings when there is reference to anything with overtly traumatic themes but be aware that Greek mythology regularly features assault, death, and many other potentially triggering events. This is not a standard narrative story episode, it's a reading of an ancient source, audiobook style. For regular episodes look for any that don't have "Liv Reads..." in the title! Attributions and licensing information for music used in the podcast can be found here: mythsbaby.com/sources-attributions . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode originally aired in March 2022. Liv speaks with returning guest Amy Pistone who specializing in Sophoclean tragedy. Amy shares some of the complexities hidden within the Trachiniae and they discuss Sophoclean prophecies (ie., the origin of Never Trust the Oracle). Follow Amy on Twitter . AVAILABLE NOW! The Odyssey: a Modern Retelling. Submit your question for the next Q&A via email or a voice note . Get ad-free episodes and so, so much more, by subscribing to the Oracle Edition at patreon.com/mythsbaby . Enter our podcast guest form if you'd like to be on the show as a conversation guest! CW/TW: far too many Greek myths involve assault. I try to provide direct warnings when there is reference to anything with overtly traumatic themes but be aware that Greek mythology regularly features assault, death, and many other potentially triggering events. Attributions and licensing information for music used in the podcast can be found here: mythsbaby.com/sources-attributions . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode originally aired in March 2022. In the finale of the Trachiniae series, Deianeira deals with what she has inadvertently done, and Heracles finally returns to Trachis. AVAILABLE NOW! The Odyssey: a Modern Retelling. Submit your question for the next Q&A via email or a voice note . Get ad-free episodes and so, so much more, by subscribing to the Oracle Edition at patreon.com/mythsbaby . Enter our podcast guest form if you'd like to be on the show as a conversation guest! CW/TW: far too many Greek myths involve assault. I try to provide direct warnings when there is reference to anything with overtly traumatic themes but be aware that Greek mythology regularly features assault, death, and many other potentially triggering events. Sources: Theoi.com; Sophocles' Women of Trachis/The Trachiniae, translations by Robert Torrance, George Theodoridis, and Peter Meineck. Quote from the Meineck unless otherwise noted in the episode. Thanks to Ash Strain for researching the play, as always! Attributions and licensing information for music used in the podcast can be found here: mythsbaby.com/sources-attributions . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode originally aired in March 2022. Continuing on with Sophocles' Women of Trachis, Deianeira learns the truth of where Heracles has been all this time, and what he's been doing. Spoilers: it's not good. AVAILABLE NOW! The Odyssey: a Modern Retelling. Submit your question for the next Q&A via email or a voice note . Get ad-free episodes and so, so much more, by subscribing to the Oracle Edition at patreon.com/mythsbaby . Enter our podcast guest form if you'd like to be on the show as a conversation guest! CW/TW: far too many Greek myths involve assault. I try to provide direct warnings when there is reference to anything with overtly traumatic themes but be aware that Greek mythology regularly features assault, death, and many other potentially triggering events. Sources: Theoi.com; Sophocles' Women of Trachis/The Trachiniae, translations by Robert Torrance, George Theodoridis, and Peter Meineck. Quote from the Meineck unless otherwise noted in the episode. Thanks to Ash Strain for researching the play, as always! Attributions and licensing information for music used in the podcast can be found here: mythsbaby.com/sources-attributions . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode originally aired in March 2022. Heracles is a complicated fellow... Or maybe it's not so complicated. Sophocles' Trachiniae, the Women of Trachis, looks at the life, and tragedy, of Heracles' last mortal wife, Deianeira. AVAILABLE NOW! The Odyssey: a Modern Retelling. Submit your question for the next Q&A via email or a voice note . Get ad-free episodes and so, so much more, by subscribing to the Oracle Edition at patreon.com/mythsbaby . Enter our podcast guest form if you'd like to be on the show as a conversation guest! CW/TW: far too many Greek myths involve assault. I try to provide direct warnings when there is reference to anything with overtly traumatic themes but be aware that Greek mythology regularly features assault, death, and many other potentially triggering events. Sources: Theoi.com; Sophocles' Women of Trachis/The Trachiniae, translations by Robert Torrance, George Theodoridis, and Peter Meineck. Quote from the Meineck unless otherwise noted in the episode. Thanks to Ash Strain for researching the play, as always! Attributions and licensing information for music used in the podcast can be found here: mythsbaby.com/sources-attributions . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Liv speaks with returning guest Dr Gillian Glass, and this one is for the hell of it (ie., not at all Gillian's specialty). Learn more about Gillian's work here , and the ANINAN project here . If you're curious about Lucian's On the Syrian Goddess you can find the full text here . AVAILABLE NOW! The Odyssey: a Modern Retelling. Submit your question for the next Q&A via email or a voice note . Get ad-free episodes and so, so much more, by subscribing to the Oracle Edition at patreon.com/mythsbaby . Enter our podcast guest form if you'd like to be on the show as a conversation guest! CW/TW: far too many Greek myths involve assault. I try to provide direct warnings when there is reference to anything with overtly traumatic themes but be aware that Greek mythology regularly features assault, death, and many other potentially triggering events. Attributions and licensing information for music used in the podcast can be found here: mythsbaby.com/sources-attributions . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We now explore the madness of Cambyses, the Samian tyrant Polykrates, and good old Periander, the tyrant of Corinth. It's a tyrant heavy episode y'all but perhaps Herodotus is asking us to consider power and how it affects people? That doesn't seem relevant in any way whatsoever to what is happening in our current day and age, no not at all. AVAILABLE NOW! The Odyssey: a Modern Retelling. Submit your question for the next Q&A via email or a voice note . Get ad-free episodes and so, so much more, by subscribing to the Oracle Edition at patreon.com/mythsbaby . Enter our podcast guest form if you'd like to be on the show as a conversation guest! CW/TW: far too many Greek myths involve assault. I try to provide direct warnings when there is reference to anything with overtly traumatic themes but be aware that Greek mythology regularly features assault, death, and many other potentially triggering events. Sources: Herodotus' Histories, translated by Tom Holland. Attributions and licensing information for music used in the podcast can be found here: mythsbaby.com/sources-attributions . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Liv reads Books 20 and 21 of Homer's Odyssey, translated by Ian Johnston. It's time for Odysseus and Penelope to have a little chat, before things really kick off. This modern translation is used with immense gratitude to translator Ian Johnston and Vancouver Island University . Submit questions and prompts for future Odyssey readings at mythsbaby.com/questions and get ad-free episodes and so, so much more, by subscribing to the Oracle Edition at patreon.com/mythsbaby CW/TW: far too many Greek myths involve assault. I try to provide direct warnings when there is reference to anything with overtly traumatic themes but be aware that Greek mythology regularly features assault, death, and many other potentially triggering events. This is not a standard narrative story episode, it's a reading of an ancient source, audiobook style. For regular episodes look for any that don't have "Liv Reads..." in the title! Attributions and licensing information for music used in the podcast can be found here: mythsbaby.com/sources-attributions . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oh the wonders of Herodotus and his histories! We are back into book three of Herodotus' Histories and getting to experience the wonders of Cambyses doing his own invasions and attacks against others. How fun! In this episode there's wacky skull logic, old friend falling into destitution, travels to Carthage and Ethiopia, and also a god! Woo! (The audio is terrible, sorry... Michaela is recording at Liv's place and neither of them checked the settings appropriately before recording! Technology!) AVAILABLE NOW! The Odyssey: a Modern Retelling. Submit your question for the next Q&A via email or a voice note . Get ad-free episodes and so, so much more, by subscribing to the Oracle Edition at patreon.com/mythsbaby . Enter our podcast guest form if you'd like to be on the show as a conversation guest! CW/TW: far too many Greek myths involve assault. I try to provide direct warnings when there is reference to anything with overtly traumatic themes but be aware that Greek mythology regularly features assault, death, and many other potentially triggering events. Sources: Herodotus' Histories, translated by Tom Holland. Attributions and licensing information for music used in the podcast can be found here: mythsbaby.com/sources-attributions . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Everyone's favourite Sea Monster Guy, Dr Ryan Denson, is back for more! Liv and Ryan talk all things ancient and mythical sea monsters, Liv's lifelong love of sharks, and the overall WONDER of sea creatures, real, mythical, or otherwise. Pre-order Ryan's Sea Monster book here, and use the code SEAMONSTER (singular!) to get 35% off before September 2, 2026 . **Please consider signing the petition against Exeter University's potential gutting of the Humanities Department, a decision that would affect not only multiple past podcast guests' work, but the ongoing study of Classics and Humanity more broadly.** AVAILABLE NOW! The Odyssey: a Modern Retelling. Submit your question for the next Q&A via email or a voice note . Get ad-free episodes and so, so much more, by subscribing to the Oracle Edition at patreon.com/mythsbaby . Enter our podcast guest form if you'd like to be on the show as a conversation guest! CW/TW: far too many Greek myths involve assault. I try to provide direct warnings when there is reference to anything with overtly traumatic themes but be aware that Greek mythology regularly features assault, death, and many other potentially triggering events. Attributions and licensing information for music used in the podcast can be found here: mythsbaby.com/sources-attributions . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Liv reads Book 19 of Homer's Odyssey, translated by Ian Johnston. It's time for Odysseus and Penelope to have a little chat, before things really kick off. This modern translation is used with immense gratitude to translator Ian Johnston and Vancouver Island University . Submit questions and prompts for future Odyssey readings at mythsbaby.com/questions and get ad-free episodes and so, so much more, by subscribing to the Oracle Edition at patreon.com/mythsbaby CW/TW: far too many Greek myths involve assault. I try to provide direct warnings when there is reference to anything with overtly traumatic themes but be aware that Greek mythology regularly features assault, death, and many other potentially triggering events. This is not a standard narrative story episode, it's a reading of an ancient source, audiobook style. For regular episodes look for any that don't have "Liv Reads..." in the title! Attributions and licensing information for music used in the podcast can be found here: mythsbaby.com/sources-attributions . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Liv is joined by returning guest (of Achilles Reception Fame!) Charlotte Gregory to talk about Christopher Nolan's Odyssey, reception of masculinity in Hollywood epic, and more of Liv's not at all subtle opinions on the film. AVAILABLE NOW! The Odyssey: a Modern Retelling. Submit your question for the next Q&A via email or a voice note . Get ad-free episodes and so, so much more, by subscribing to the Oracle Edition at patreon.com/mythsbaby . Enter our podcast guest form if you'd like to be on the show as a conversation guest! CW/TW: far too many Greek myths involve assault. I try to provide direct warnings when there is reference to anything with overtly traumatic themes but be aware that Greek mythology regularly features assault, death, and many other potentially triggering events. Attributions and licensing information for music used in the podcast can be found here: mythsbaby.com/sources-attributions . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Liv reads Book 18 of Homer's Odyssey, translated by Ian Johnston. Odysseus returns to the palace in the disguised, things aren't looking good in Ithaca! This modern translation is used with immense gratitude to translator Ian Johnston and Vancouver Island University . Submit questions and prompts for future Odyssey readings at mythsbaby.com/questions and get ad-free episodes and so, so much more, by subscribing to the Oracle Edition at patreon.com/mythsbaby CW/TW: far too many Greek myths involve assault. I try to provide direct warnings when there is reference to anything with overtly traumatic themes but be aware that Greek mythology regularly features assault, death, and many other potentially triggering events. This is not a standard narrative story episode, it's a reading of an ancient source, audiobook style. For regular episodes look for any that don't have "Liv Reads..." in the title! Attributions and licensing information for music used in the podcast can be found here: mythsbaby.com/sources-attributions . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today Liv is joined by Jasmine Elmer all about Medea in her new book Slay ! We are always down to talk that wonderful goddess/woman/general badass Medea and there was much fun had talking about how she could be considered a dragon slayer and what exactly that means! AVAILABLE NOW! The Odyssey: a Modern Retelling. Submit your question for the next Q&A via email or a voice note . Get ad-free episodes and so, so much more, by subscribing to the Oracle Edition at patreon.com/mythsbaby . Enter our podcast guest form if you'd like to be on the show as a conversation guest! CW/TW: far too many Greek myths involve assault. I try to provide direct warnings when there is reference to anything with overtly traumatic themes but be aware that Greek mythology regularly features assault, death, and many other potentially triggering events. Attributions and licensing information for music used in the podcast can be found here: mythsbaby.com/sources-attributions . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is a bonus episode for a reason! Liv rants and rambled and goes on various ADHD tangents about Christopher Nolan's Odyssey and (thank the GODS!) Emily Wilson's recent review of the movie in the LRB . AVAILABLE NOW! The Odyssey: a Modern Retelling. Submit your question for the next Q&A via email or a voice note . Get ad-free episodes and so, so much more, by subscribing to the Oracle Edition at patreon.com/mythsbaby . Enter our podcast guest form if you'd like to be on the show as a conversation guest! CW/TW: far too many Greek myths involve assault. I try to provide direct warnings when there is reference to anything with overtly traumatic themes but be aware that Greek mythology regularly features assault, death, and many other potentially triggering events. Attributions and licensing information for music used in the podcast can be found here: mythsbaby.com/sources-attributions . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Liv answers listener questions about the Ethiopian king Memnon, the missing pieces of the Trojan War, and more. This episode (and Emily Wilson's recent review of Nolan's Odyssey!) have inspired another rambling Odyssey episode which will be in your feeds soon after this one. AVAILABLE NOW! The Odyssey: a Modern Retelling. Submit your question for the next Q&A via email or a voice note . Get ad-free episodes and so, so much more, by subscribing to the Oracle Edition at patreon.com/mythsbaby . Enter our podcast guest form if you'd like to be on the show as a conversation guest! CW/TW: far too many Greek myths involve assault. I try to provide direct warnings when there is reference to anything with overtly traumatic themes but be aware that Greek mythology regularly features assault, death, and many other potentially triggering events. Attributions and licensing information for music used in the podcast can be found here: mythsbaby.com/sources-attributions . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Liv reads Books 16 and 17 of Homer's Odyssey, translated by Ian Johnston. Time for the Father-Son reunion Nobody asked for... Telemachus is back in Ithaca and it's time for him and dad to make a (deadly) plan. This modern translation is used with immense gratitude to translator Ian Johnston and Vancouver Island University . Submit questions and prompts for future Odyssey readings at mythsbaby.com/questions and get ad-free episodes and so, so much more, by subscribing to the Oracle Edition at patreon.com/mythsbaby CW/TW: far too many Greek myths involve assault. I try to provide direct warnings when there is reference to anything with overtly traumatic themes but be aware that Greek mythology regularly features assault, death, and many other potentially triggering events. This is not a standard narrative story episode, it's a reading of an ancient source, audiobook style. For regular episodes look for any that don't have "Liv Reads..." in the title! Attributions and licensing information for music used in the podcast can be found here: mythsbaby.com/sources-attributions . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This two part series on Helen originally aired in December 2021. Helen is simultaneously the most well known mortal of myth and a complete and utter enigma. What do we actually know about her, and the choices she did and did not make that lead to the Trojan War? Helen of Sparta, later of Troy, is so many things... it all depends on where you're looking. In this episode we examine the Helen of Homer, and of Sparta itself. CW/TW: far too many Greek myths involve assault. Given it's fiction, and typically involves gods and/or monsters, I'm not as deferential as I would be were I referencing the real thing. Sources: Sources: Helen: Goddess, Princess, Whore by Bettany Hughes; Goddesses, Whores, Wives, and Slaves: Women in Classical Antiquity by Sarah B. Pomeroy; Theoi.com; The Iliad, translated by Caroline Alexander; The Odyssey translated by Emily Wilson; Early Greek Myths by Timothy Gantz. The Iliad, translated by Samuel Butler; Early Greek Myths by Timothy Gantz; Sappho's Lyre by Diane Rayor. Attributions and licensing information for music used in the podcast can be found here: mythsbaby.com/sources-attributions . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.