Jennifer Saint's 'Atalanta' reimagines the story of the legendary Greek huntress who rejects traditional female roles to forge her own path. From her birth, when she is abandoned on a mountainside, Atalanta demonstrates her strength and independence. Raised by a she-bear, she becomes a skilled warrior, joining the Calydonian boar hunt and sailing with the Argonauts. The novel explores themes of courage, freedom, and the challenges faced by women who defy societal norms. Saint's vivid storytelling brings Atalanta's world to life, inviting readers to consider the complexities of identity and destiny in ancient Greece.
In this book, Dr. Jonathan Shay examines the psychological devastation of war by drawing parallels between the experiences of Achilles in Homer's Iliad and those of Vietnam veterans. Shay, a psychiatrist who has worked extensively with Vietnam War veterans, argues that the psychological wounds of warriors transcend time and culture. He explores themes such as the betrayal of moral values during warfare, the intense grief and anger resulting from the loss of comrades, the descent into a 'berserk' state, and the challenges of homecoming. The book highlights the importance of understanding and healing the psychological trauma incurred by soldiers and emphasizes the need for communal support in their recovery[2][4][5].
The Book of Samuel tells the story of Samuel Gerard, a 12-year-old boy whose life is drastically changed when his father leaves on a religious quest to 'save the world.' Samuel finds himself on a series of humorous and often chaotic adventures, from dealing with leeches and blowing up his friend's garage to navigating complex social issues like bullying, racism, and community violence. As Samuel tries to make sense of his world, he faces crossroads of religion, community, family, and friends, ultimately leading to a life-changing decision that tests his courage and understanding of personal sacrifice.
The Epic of Gilgamesh tells the story of Gilgamesh, the king of Uruk, who is two-thirds god and one-third human. The gods create Enkidu, a wild man, to counterbalance Gilgamesh's oppressive rule. Enkidu and Gilgamesh become friends after a trial of strength and embark on several adventures, including the slaying of the monster Humbaba and the killing of the Bull of Heaven. Following Enkidu's death, Gilgamesh sets out on a perilous journey to find Utnapishtim, the survivor of the Babylonian Flood, in search of the secret of eternal life. Despite his efforts, Gilgamesh learns that death is inevitable and returns to Uruk, reconciled to his mortality and appreciative of the enduring achievements of humanity[1][3][5].
This novel retells the story of the Trojan War from the perspective of Patroclus, a young prince exiled from his homeland after an act of violence. Patroclus forms an inseparable bond with Achilles, the son of the sea goddess Thetis and King Peleus. As they grow up together, they are trained by the centaur Chiron and eventually join the war effort when Helen of Sparta is kidnapped. The story explores their deep love for each other, the pressures of destiny, and the tragic consequences of their choices. Miller incorporates Greek mythology seamlessly, making the gods and their histories integral to the narrative. The book is a poignant exploration of love, bravery, and the human cost of war[2][3][5].
It's always a good time to revisit Achilles and Patroclus... This episode originally aired in June 2023. Liv speaks with PhD student Charlotte Gregory about all things Achilles and Patroclus, their relationship, and how modern Classical reception depicts their love, cousin or otherwise. Follow Charlotte on Twitter. 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
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.
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Let's Talk About Myths, Baby! | Greek Mythology & the Ancient Mediterranean 
