Let's Talk About Myths, Baby! | Greek Mythology & the Ancient Mediterranean Helen, the King Maker; Lucifer the Morningstar; Enyo, the Bloody... A New Years Q&A
Jan 2, 2026
Liv dives into a New Year Q&A, tackling intriguing questions about Helen's choice in marriage, and the primordial figure Themis. She explores late antiquity myths, the connections of Dionysus to India, and the nuances in adapting the Odyssey for children. Enyo, the goddess of bloodshed, is contrasted with Eris and linked to the Roman Bellona. Liv also critiques film interpretations of myths and uncovers meanings behind names like Lucifer. Plus, she tantalizes with a Hecate cocktail idea that plays on pomegranate symbolism.
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Helen, Penelope And Matrilineal Clues
- Helen's apparent right to choose a husband likely reflects later attempts to explain older social norms in Homeric epic.
- Liv Albert suggests queens like Helen and Penelope imply stronger matrilineal influence in the Bronze-Age memory behind the epics.
Primordial Oracle Figure Linked To Delphi
- The goddess Themis/Fama (Famous) functions more as a primordial concept tied to early oracles than a fleshed-out character.
- Liv links her to ancient Delphi and pre-Apollonian prophetic traditions representing cosmic balance.
Dionysus's Eastern Layers Are Mostly Later
- Dionysus's strong links to India in myth come mainly from Hellenistic and later receptions after Greek contact with India.
- Classical Dionysus shows more West Asian and Levantine influence, with Indian elements layering on later.