The Odyssey Odyssey

Send us a textIN WHICH: Odysseus uses guile and deceit to attain The Bow of Heracles from Philoctetes, the man he betrayed and abandoned ten years before.Watch a video of "The Speckled Bull" - an Irish folktale descended from the myth of Heracles and Achelous HERE.See artwork related to this episode HERE.  Email Tom Lee HERE

Send us a textIN WHICH: We recount the Roman story of the Achilleid, detailing how the immortal nymph Thetis tried to protect her all-too-mortal son Achilles from the perils of the Trojan War and how "wily Odysseus" contrived to foil her schemes.SEE ARTWORK RELATED TO THIS EPISODE HERE.E-MAIL TOM LEE HERE.

Explore the poignant tale of Eos, the goddess cursed by unrequited love and the impact of her desire on her immortal life. Discover the mythological origins of Troy, where gods played a crucial role in its creation and fate. Delve into the contrasting destinies of Endymion and Tithonus, contemplating themes of beauty and longing for immortality. The conversation reflects on love's complexities and the bittersweet nature of transformation. Finally, vibrant imagery connects mortality with the beauty of nature.

Send us a textIN WHICH we encounter our hero, Odysseus, as the coddled prisoner of the sea  nymph Calypso in her  island hermitage.  Hermes, the reluctant ambassador of Zeus, liberates the captive, who flees directly into the path of a wrathful Poseidon.Images and music referenced in this episode can be explored HERE.E-mail Tom Lee HERE.

Send us a textIN WHICH: We delve into what may be the least understood episode of the Trojan War: that horse.  How could the Trojans be so foolish as to bring that horse into their city?  Homer doesn't have much to say about it, but Vergil tells you how....Footnotes and images for this episode are available here.Email Tom Lee here.

Explore the aftermath of the Trojan War as Menelaus and Helen navigate the complexities of their strained marriage. Intriguing tales of hospitality unfold as Telemachus searches for his father, Odysseus. Discover Menelaus's captivating journey after Troy, where myths intertwine with fate. The tension rises with interactions involving the sea goddess Eidothia, revealing the critical role of sacrifices in gaining knowledge. As threats loom, Telemachus finds hope through Proteus's revelations of Odysseus's fate.

Send us a textIN WHICH: We delve into the birth of Helen of Sparta, I mean Troy, one of the countless children of Zeus whose lives intersect in The Iliad and The Odyssey.Footnotes to the show are available here.EMAIL TOM LEE

Telemachus embarks on a poignant journey searching for news of his father, Odysseus, reflecting on loss and identity. The podcast delves into the tragic tales of Cassandra and Ajax, exposing the harrowing issue of sexual violence in wartime. Divine revenge by Athena creates chaos among Greek leaders, showcasing the interplay of power in mythology. The journey to Sparta with Pisistratus reveals budding friendships and promises of epic stories to come, intertwining ancient rituals with contemporary themes.

Dive into the rhythmic beauty of ancient poetry as the discussion highlights the fascinating links between Greek dactylic hexameter and spoken language. Discover why engaging with translations of Homer's works in their original meter enhances appreciation of the text. Plus, enjoy the comedic imagery of Homer sharing a drink with a pterodactyl, blending classic literature with a whimsical twist. Expect a blend of education and entertainment in this captivating exploration!

Explore the struggles of Telemachus as he steps into leadership amid the chaos created by the suitors pursuing his mother, Penelope. Discover how Penelope cleverly uses deception to maintain control over her fate by weaving a shroud, defying societal expectations. Witness Telemachus's transformative journey spurred by divine guidance as he sets out to find Odysseus, marking a critical turning point in his maturation and the fate of Ithaca.