Helen, Menelaus, Odysseus, and Agamemnon's secrets revealed! Beach wrestling, cloud women, shape-shifting king, and confusion. Also, Q&A with the hosts about their book and favorite characters from Greek myths.
Helen's story has multiple versions, including one where she ends up in Egypt instead of Troy.
Proteus, a shape-shifting water god, plays a crucial role in revealing the Greek heroes' fates and the truth about Helen's stay in Egypt.
Deep dives
The Multiverse of Hellens
This week's Greeking Out episode explores the multiverse of Greek mythology, specifically focusing on the story of Helen of Troy. The story begins with the infamous Trojan War, which was sparked by the abduction of Helen, the most beautiful woman in the world, by the Trojan prince Paris. However, there are multiple versions of Helen's story, including one where she never arrives in Troy, but instead ends up in Egypt. The podcast delves into the different accounts of Helen's whereabouts and the role she played in the Trojan War.
Proteus, the Shape-Shifting Water God
The podcast introduces Proteus, a fascinating figure in Greek mythology who is depicted as a king, soldier, and shape-shifting water god. Proteus is known for his ability to transform into various creatures, making him difficult to catch. He plays a crucial role in the story of Menelaus, the Greek king who goes on a journey to rescue his wife, Helen. Menelaus eventually captures Proteus on an island by a cove and demands answers about his wife's fate, leading to important revelations about the Greek heroes' fates and the future.
Menelaus' Quest for Helen
In the final part of the podcast episode, Menelaus embarks on a quest to find his wife, Helen, who has been taken to Egypt under the care of King Proteus. Menelaus arrives at Proteus' island and patiently waits for the king to appear. After a grueling struggle, Menelaus captures the shape-shifting king and learns about the fate of his brother Agamemnon, other Greek heroes, and the truth about Helen's stay in Egypt. Finally, Menelaus is reunited with Helen, and they return home to Sparta.
Oh Muses! We tell some tales you already know -- of Helen, Menelaus, Odysseus, and Agamemnon -- but with secrets revealed! We encounter Herodotus, beach wrestling, cloud women, another water entity that changes shape, and lots of confusion.
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Parents! We have another book! It’s every bit as hilarious, harrowing, heartwarming, and Hellenistic as its namesake. Available Sept 17th. You can pre-order the new book here: https://bit.ly/grkoutbk2