Let's Talk About Myths, Baby! | Greek Mythology & the Ancient Mediterranean RE-AIR: Conversations: A Man of Many Turns, Odysseus & the Odyssey w/ Joel Christensen
Aug 1, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Joel Christensen, a Professor of Classical Studies at Brandeis University, delves into the intricacies of Odysseus from Homer's epic. They explore the hero's complex moral landscape, contrasting traditional notions of heroism with Odysseus's questionable choices. Key themes include leadership and consequences, the duality of individualism, and the societal implications of his actions. The conversation also connects ancient narratives to modern struggles for power and personal agency, making for a thought-provoking experience.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Polutropos: A Loaded Name
- Odysseus is introduced as polutropos, a "man of many turns," meaning multiplicity, journeys, and devices.
- That epithet signals intentional excess and moral ambiguity in his character.
Odysseus As Human Survivor
- The Odyssey frames Odysseus as a mortal survivor rather than a demigod hero, emphasizing cleverness over physical gifts.
- The poem asks how to live after catastrophe, making Odysseus a case study in compromised agency.
Agency Over Divine Plan
- The Odyssey begins by labeling Odysseus a failure who lost his companions through recklessness.
- Zeus's framing invites readers to ask: how did humans make their fates worse or better through choices?
