Join author and historian Jasmine Elmer, known for her work on female dragon slayers, as she unravels the complex myth of Medusa. Elmer argues that Medusa's story reflects modern issues of femininity and sexuality, exploring how societal values vilify women. The discussion highlights her tragic transformation and the misogyny woven into her narrative. Finally, they delve into Medusa's evolution into a symbol of empowerment, paralleling contemporary movements like Me Too, showcasing her legacy's relevance today.
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insights INSIGHT
Medusa's Origin and Punishment
Medusa was originally a beautiful maiden and priestess who was unfairly punished after Poseidon assaulted her.
Her transformation into a monster symbolizes the vilification of female sexuality in ancient Greek society.
insights INSIGHT
Freud's Analysis of Medusa
Freud interpreted Medusa as a symbol of castration anxiety and male fear of female sexuality.
This psychoanalytic view centers male fear but does not necessarily reflect Greek thinking.
insights INSIGHT
Medusa's Power and Male Fear
Medusa's power lies in her ability to draw men's gaze and turn them to stone, reflecting a complex interplay of sexual power.
She embodies male fear of women who hold sexual power, becoming monstrous and ostracized by society.
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Jasmine Elmer's "Goddess of a Thousand Faces" delves into the lives and stories of various goddesses from ancient mythology, exploring their roles, symbols, and cultural significance. The book challenges traditional interpretations and offers fresh perspectives on these powerful female figures. Elmer's writing style is engaging and accessible, making complex historical and mythological concepts understandable to a wide audience. The book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in mythology, history, or feminist perspectives on ancient cultures. It encourages readers to re-evaluate their understanding of ancient goddesses and their enduring relevance.
Slay
Slay
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Jasmine Elmer
Stone Blind
Natalie Haynes
In 'Stone Blind', Natalie Haynes reinterprets the myth of Medusa, emphasizing the complex and tragic story of a mortal woman within a family of gods. The narrative delves into Medusa’s transformation after being assaulted by Poseidon and punished by Athene, resulting in her hair being replaced by snakes and her gaze turning living creatures to stone. Haynes brings empathy and nuance to this classic myth, highlighting themes of blame, punishment, and the monsterization of women. The book also explores the broader context of Greek mythology, offering a rich and detailed retelling that challenges traditional views of Medusa and her story.
Medusa
Medusa
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Sylvia Plath
You could be forgiven for thinking the Greek myth of Medusa has zero relevance to us today. Snake for hair?!
But as you'll hear in today's episode, she's a woman who was vilified for her femininity and sexuality. She was literally cast out of society for it - into a cave, of all places.
Joining Kate to help us get to know this mythical woman and her story is author and historian Jasmine Elmer.
This episode was edited by Tom Delargy. The producer was Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Charlotte Long.
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