Medea Was Framed! -- Perspectives on Medea with Vicki Noble and Miriam Robbins Dexter
Jan 14, 2024
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Guest Miriam Robbins Dexter, a scholar in Classics and Indo-European Studies, joins the hosts to discuss the true nature of Medea's story, her cultural legacy, and her connections to goddesses and gods. They explore the negative portrayal of female power in Greek mythology and the importance of understanding the mother-child bond in ancient Greek culture. The speakers also touch upon the significance of the sun goddess and female deities in various cultures and the impact of Indo-European migrations on matriarchal societies.
Medea's story has been changed and distorted by male retellings, highlighting a patriarchal desire to control and suppress women's power.
Medea's association with shamanic traditions, serpent imagery, and mythical figures demonstrates her rich spiritual background and ancient practices.
Deep dives
Medea's Connection to Shamanic Traditions and Mystical Experiences
Medea is believed to have a connection to shamanic traditions and mystical experiences. She is associated with the lineage of priestesses, the power of herbs and healing, and the ability to have visionary experiences. In particular, Medea's connection to the sun goddess and the presence of serpent imagery in her experiences point to a rich spiritual background. Her encounters with the Creighton snake goddesses during a lunar eclipse and the association of the bent knee posture with the Dakini pose further demonstrate her ties to ancient practices and beliefs.
The Deconstruction of Medea in Euripides' Play
Euripides' portrayal of Medea in his play deconstructs the powerful and divine figure found in earlier versions. Medea is depicted as a young maiden who falls in love with Jason, driven by the influence of the goddess Aphrodite. Euripides focuses on Medea's negative agency, particularly in the form of infanticide, as she kills her own children. This portrayal aligns with the pessimistic and scapegoating tendencies of the classical era. The distorted representation of Medea as a child killer serves as a contrast to earlier mythologies that celebrated her divine nature and her role as a priestess and healer.
Medea's Connection to Hera and Her Role as Protector
Medea's association with Hera is significant in her story. Before the tragic events unfold, Medea seeks refuge for her children at a temple dedicated to Hera in Corinth, hoping it will shield them from harm. This connection showcases Medea's understanding of the sacred and her belief in divine protection for her children. Despite her efforts, the Corinthians still kill her children, leading to the establishment of rituals and penance in their honor. Medea's connection to Hera highlights her divine background and the importance of her role as a mother and protector, reinforcing her significance as a powerful and complex character.
The Vilification of Medea and Fear of Female Power
The portrayal of Medea in Euripides' play reflects a larger fear of female power and untamed femaleness present in Greek mythology and culture. The negative representation of Medea and other female figures, such as the Mycenads, who displayed strength and agency, indicates a patriarchal desire to control and suppress women's power. This fear of untamed femaleness can be seen across different cultures and time periods, leading to the demonization and reduction of women's roles and abilities. The deconstruction of Medea's character in literature reflects this ongoing struggle with the power and agency of women.
As with so many women in Greek mythology, Medea has seen her nature, persona and story changed pejoratively with every retelling by the men who spoke her name. In today's episode, we chat with guest Miriam Robbins Dexter and our regular host and founding member of the podcast, Vicki Noble, about the origin of Medea and the true nature of her story.
Miriam Robbins Dexter, Ph.D., holds a B.A. in Classics and a Ph.D. in Indo-European Studies (comparative linguistics, archaeology and mythology), from the University of California, Los Angeles. Her friend and colleague, Vicki Noble, is a regular member of the Make Matriarchy Great Again team and is the author of such seminal works of women's history as Double Goddess and Shakti Woman.
Sean Marlon Newcombe and Dawn "Sam" Alden co-host.
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