The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast

On this episode of The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Jeremiah and Juan discuss the political disorder of the Trojans before introducing a lecture from Stephen Smith. As Zeus turns the war against the Greeks, Agamemnon sends a delegation to offer reconciliation with Achilles and persuade him to return to the fight. Join Dr. Stephen Smith in "The Iliad" as he explores the themes of virtue, loyalty, war, fate, death, glory, piety, rage, and mercy. Experience Homer’s thrilling account of brilliant Achilles and his tragic quest for glory under a heavy fate, a profound meditation on the futility and majesty of human existence.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stephen Smith, a classical literature scholar, explores Homer’s portrait of war and human nature. Diomedes wounds gods in battle as Hector returns to Troy, confronts Paris, and shares a tender farewell with Andromache and their son. The discussion probes courage, loyalty, shame, duty, family, fate, and the tragic cost of defending one’s city.

Stephen Smith, a scholar of classical literature, explores Helen and Paris in Homer’s Iliad. Paris faces Menelaus in a duel meant to end the war, but fear, beauty, and divine intervention complicate the contest. Helen reflects on guilt, exile, and divided loyalties, while Hector condemns Paris’s cowardice. The discussion examines love, honor, responsibility, and why the war continues.

Stephen Smith, Hillsdale College’s Dean of Humanities and a professor of the Western canon, explores Homer’s Iliad through Achilles’ murderous rage, fate, honor, and the search for glory. He examines the clash between Achilles and Agamemnon, the plague sent by Apollo, Achilles’ choice between a long life and immortal fame, and the dangerous prayer that sets the Greek army’s suffering in motion.

Benedict Whalen, a Hillsdale professor of classical literature, explores The Odyssey’s true climax: Odysseus and Penelope’s cautious reunion. Their silent encounter becomes a brilliant contest of prudence, secret signs, and marital knowledge. Discover Penelope’s strategic role in the suitors’ downfall, the marriage bed’s famous test, and how Athena helps restore peace to Ithaca.

Benedict Whalen, a scholar of classical literature, history, and political thought, explores Odysseus’ long-awaited return to Ithaca. The bow contest unleashes a deadly reckoning with the suitors, while omens, loyalty, divine justice, and Athena’s aid shape the battle. The discussion also examines Odysseus’ restraint, the cleansing of his household, and his reunion with Penelope.

Benedict Whalen, a classical literature professor specializing in the Western tradition, explores Odysseus’s perilous return to Ithaca in disguise. He examines household loyalty, Argos’s poignant recognition, the suitors’ abuse of hospitality, and Penelope’s remarkable cunning. Their cautious reunion, Eurycleia’s discovery, and the looming bow contest reveal a kingdom balanced between deception, fidelity, and restoration.

Benedict Whalen, a classical literature professor specializing in the Western tradition, explores Odysseus’s return to Ithaca and reunion with Telemachus after twenty years. The discussion examines Eumaeus’s humble virtue, the suitors’ impiety, Penelope’s guarded loyalty, Athena’s role in revealing Odysseus, and the father-son plan to reclaim the household.

Benedict Whalen, a scholar of classical literature and political philosophy, explores Odysseus’s final trials before reaching Ithaca. Circe, Calypso, Nausicaa, and Penelope represent competing visions of pleasure, immortality, peace, and home. The discussion examines why struggle matters, Odysseus’s symbolic resurrection, and his cunning reunion with Athena as he prepares to reclaim his family and kingdom.

Benedict Whalen, a humanities professor specializing in Homer and Western literature, explores Odysseus’ descent into the underworld and his encounters with Tiresias, Achilles, Agamemnon, and his mother. The journey home brings warnings about desire, nostalgia, sacrifice, and divine punishment, from the Sirens and Scylla to the fatal cattle of the Sun god.