Natalie Haynes Stands Up for the Classics

The Women Poets of Ancient Greece

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Aug 5, 2025

Dive into the vibrant world of ancient Greek women poets, where Sappho's emotional depth rivals Homer's narratives. Discover the humorous rivalry between Corinna and Pindar, alongside the innovative drinking songs of Praxilla. These poetic voices not only challenge traditional interpretations but also highlight the complexity of female experiences. Misunderstood and often overlooked, these poets are finally being celebrated for their contributions, reshaping our understanding of literature in a male-dominated era.

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insights

INSIGHT

Sappho’s Unique View on Beauty

Sappho counters Homer by saying the most beautiful thing on earth is what you love, not armies or ships.
Her version of Helen of Troy shows no guilt or regret for leaving family, subverting traditional narratives.

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ANECDOTE

Edith’s Take on Sappho’s Helen

Edith Hall shares Sappho’s line suggesting Niobe and Leto were dearest friends, challenging mythology.
She notes Helen’s bravery to leave a man for a better one if childless, relating personally.

insights

INSIGHT

Women Breaking Poetic Norms

Women poets break poetic forms and face criticism while men are praised for innovation.
Women echo and pay homage to predecessors like Sappho, passing down and reinventing poetic traditions.

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Sappho: A Poetic Voice of Women

02:24 • 7min

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Voices of Ancient Women Poets

09:01 • 12min

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Reassessing Ancient Female Poets: Misconceptions and Modern Perspectives

21:10 • 4min

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Celebrating the Poetic Voices of Women in Ancient Greece

25:12 • 3min

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#14160

• Mentioned in 2 episodes

Aristophanes

Aristophanes was a prolific playwright of Old Comedy, known for his biting satire and political commentary. His plays, such as *Lysistrata* and *The Clouds*, are considered some of the greatest works of ancient Greek literature, providing a unique glimpse into the social and political life of Athens during the Peloponnesian War.

#82

• Mentioned in 127 episodes

The Odyssey

Homer

The Odyssey, attributed to Homer, is an ancient Greek epic poem that tells the story of Odysseus, king of Ithaca, and his ten-year journey home after the Trojan War. The poem explores Odysseus's encounters with various mythical creatures, divine interventions, and natural challenges. Upon his return to Ithaca, he must confront the suitors who have been vying for his wife Penelope's hand in marriage. With the help of his son Telemachus and the goddess Athena, Odysseus devises a plan to defeat the suitors and reclaim his throne. The poem is a reflection on human nature, loyalty, and the consequences of one's actions, and it remains a crucial component of ancient Greek literature and Western cultural heritage.

#6851

• Mentioned in 4 episodes

Thucydides

Book III

Thucydides

Thucydides' History of the Peloponnesian War is a classic work of historical writing, renowned for its detailed account of the conflict between Athens and Sparta in the 5th century BC. It's considered a masterpiece of historical analysis, focusing on the political and strategic aspects of the war. Thucydides' emphasis on human agency and the interplay of power dynamics makes his work relevant even today. His work is studied for its insights into international relations, military strategy, and the nature of conflict.

#7598

• Mentioned in 4 episodes

Hesiod

*Theogony* recounts the history of the gods, beginning with the emergence of Chaos, Gaea (Earth), and Eros, and culminates with the triumph of Zeus as the supreme god. It includes genealogies of gods and goddesses and the link between gods and humans. *Works and Days* is a more personal narrative that addresses Hesiod's brother Perses, urging him to abandon his schemes and gain his livelihood through hard work. It describes the five Ages of Man, offers advice on farming and daily life, and includes myths such as Pandora's box.

#172

• Mentioned in 81 episodes

The Iliad

Homer

The Iliad is an epic poem attributed to Homer, set during the Trojan War. It begins in the ninth year of the war, where a quarrel between King Agamemnon and the warrior Achilles sets off a chain of events. The poem explores themes of heroism, honor, and fate as it describes the battles and interactions between Greek warriors like Achilles, Diomedes, and Odysseus, and Trojan warriors like Hector and Paris. The story is interspersed with divine interventions from Greek gods and goddesses, influencing the outcome of the war. The poem culminates with Achilles' reconciliation with Agamemnon and his subsequent rage against the Trojans, leading to the death of Hector and the eventual funeral rites for Patroclus and Hector.

#10473

• Mentioned in 3 episodes

Sappho

A New Translation of the Complete Works

Diane Rayor

Andr Lardinois

Diane Rayor's translation of Sappho's complete works offers a fresh perspective on the ancient Greek poet's life and work. The translation aims for accuracy while making the poems accessible to modern readers. Rayor's work sheds light on Sappho's homoerotic themes and her role in ancient Greek performance culture. The book includes extensive notes and commentary, providing context for understanding Sappho's language and world. It is a valuable resource for scholars and general readers alike, offering a nuanced understanding of Sappho's enduring legacy.

#8468

• Mentioned in 4 episodes

Homer

Homer's works, including the Iliad and the Odyssey, are foundational texts of ancient Greek literature, shaping Western culture and storytelling.

Natalie is joined by Edith Hall and Nikita Gill to tell the stories of the Nine Earthly Muses, the most admired Greek women poets. They are Sappho, Myrtis, Corinna, Moero, Anyte, Nossis, Erinna, Praxilla and Telesilla. The idea was that these "divine voices" had been nurtured by the Muses themselves.

Sappho's magnificent poetry offers a different perspective from Homer's. Her Helen of Troy feels no guilt at all about leaving her family to be with Paris. The poets provide funny, inventive and unexpected angles: Corinna writes about a contest between two local mountains to see which of them can play the best song on the lyre. The disgruntled loser, Mount Helicon, then rains down boulders like snow in displeasure. Praxilla writes drinking songs using her own meter and rhythms. But their work has been scorned and misunderstood by critics and Natalie wants to redress that.

'Rockstar mythologist' Natalie Haynes is the best-selling author of 'Divine Might', 'Stone Blind', and 'A Thousand Ships' as well as a reformed comedian who is a little bit obsessive about Ancient Greek and Rome.

Nikita Gill is an Irish-Indian poet whose work offers a shift of perspective which centres women in both Greek and Hindu myth as well as folklore. She has been shortlisted for the Goodreads Choice Award in poetry and the Children's Poetry Award and longlisted for the Jhalak Prize. Her new book is Hekate: The Witch.

Edith Hall is Professor of Classics at Durham University, specialising in ancient Greek literature. She has written over thirty books and is a Fellow of the British Academy.

Producer...Beth O'Dea

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