Janell Rhiannon

Greek Mythology Retold

History EN ↓ 29 episodes

Hosted by author and historian Janell Rhiannon, Greek Mythology Retold explores the myths and legends connected to the Trojan War, from the rise of Helen and Achilles to the long homecoming of Odysseus. Through historical analysis, character studies, source discussions, and conversations with authors and scholars, the podcast examines the people behind the legends and the stories that continue to captivate readers thousands of years later. Whether you're interested in Homer, Greek myth retellings, or the history behind the epics, you'll find a seat at the table. Welcome, Myrmidons! Discover mo...

Author

Janell Rhiannon

Category

History

Podcast website

www.janellrhiannon.com

Latest episode

Jun 11, 2026

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Episodes

The Hero and The Man: An Interview with C. B. Robertson 11.06.2026

In this episode, I chat with Christopher Robertson, known online as Caffeine and Philosophy, about Homer, heroism, and why the ancient epics still matter in the modern world. As the author of The Hero and the Man and creator of the new course Understanding Homer, Christopher explores the timeless archetypes found in the Iliad and the Odyssey, the enduring legacy of Achilles and Odysseus, and the l...

This Immortal Heart: An Interview with Jennifer Saint 07.06.2026

In this episode of Greek Mythology Retold, I sit down with New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Saint to discuss her newest novel, This Immortal Heart, a sweeping retelling of the legendary romance between Aphrodite and Ares. Known for her bestselling novels Ariadne, Elektra, Atalanta, and Hera, Jennifer shares what drew her to the goddess of love, the challenges of reimagining one of mythol...

Odysseus: The Wanderer's Curse Part 2 of 2 26.05.2026

In Part 2 of The Wanderer’s Curse, we follow Odysseus from Calypso’s island through the Underworld and into his violent return to Ithaca. After twenty years of war and wandering, Odysseus is no longer the man who sailed to Troy. Through encounters with Achilles, Agamemnon, and the dead, Homer forces us to confront the true cost of war, survivor’s guilt, grief, and homecoming. When Odysseus finally...

Odysseus: The Wanderer's Curse Part 1 of 2 26.05.2026

In this episode of Greek Mythology Retold, we explore Odysseus as a veteran shaped by twenty years of warfare, loss, survival, and wandering. From the Cicones and the Lotus-Eaters to the Cyclops and Circe, we discover Odysseus as a deeply human figure: a man caught between the glory culture of Troy and the difficult reality of homecoming. Explore more Greek myth and epic retellings: The Homeric Ch...

Medium Rare: An interview with A. Natasha Joukovsky 06.03.2026

Today on Greek Mythology Retold I interview Natasha Joukovsky about her novel Medium Rare , a modern reinterpretation of the myth of Icarus told through the voice of a contemporary Cassandra. We talk about hubris, fate, warning signs, and how the ancient cautionary tale of flying too close to the sun still echoes in modern stories. If you love Greek mythology, myth retellings, and the deeper theme...

I, Medusa: An Interview with Ayana Gray 01.03.2026

In this episode of Greek Mythology Retold, I sit down with bestselling fantasy author Ayana Gray to discuss her newest novel, I, Medusa . It's a powerful and intimate retelling of the Medusa myth. We explore how Gray reimagines Medusa not as a monster, but as a young woman named Meddy before she becomes the legendary Gorgon of Greek mythology. If you love Greek mythology retellings, feminist myth...

Odysseus: Trickster King Part 2 of 2 17.02.2026

Continuing the in-depth exploration of Odysseus, King of Ithaka. In part 2, we look at the darker side of Odysseus. And how the Trojan Horse was the culmination of his skillset and cunning.  Explore more Greek myth and epic retellings: The Homeric Chronicles , an adult fantasy series inspired by Greek mythology and the Trojan War. Homeric Chronicles Series WikiHow Expert Contributor

Odysseus: Trickster King Part 1 of 2 17.02.2026

An in-depth exploration of Odysseus, King of Ithaka. We trace his early life, the roots of his cunning, and the shaping of a mind that would outwit kings and gods. And we ask the question that still matters: why Penelope was the choice that defined him. Explore more Greek myth and epic retellings: The Homeric Chronicles , an adult fantasy series inspired by Greek mythology and the Trojan War. Home...

Aftermyth: An Interview with Tracy Wolff 10.01.2026

If your kids love Percy Jackson or Harry Potter, this one’s for you. NYT bestselling author Tracy Wolff stops by Greek Mythology Retold to talk about Aftermyth , Greek mythology, the role of fate, and what she hopes young readers discover through ancient stories told in new ways. AFTERMYTH Explore more Greek myth and epic retellings: The Homeric Chronicles , an adult fantasy series inspired by Gre...

Penelope's Bones: An Interview with Emily Hauser 14.09.2025

An exploration of Bronze Age women. I talk with bestselling author Dr. Emily Hauser about her newest non-fiction book Penelope's Bones  and how archaeology and cutting edge science has helped shed new light on the women of the ancient past.  Penelope's Bones Explore more Greek myth and epic retellings: The Homeric Chronicles , an adult fantasy series inspired by Greek mythology and the Trojan War....

Medusa: An Interview with Julie Berry 14.09.2025

An exploration of what Medusa means in the modern era. I talk with NYT best selling author Julie Berry about her new book If Looks Could Kill and how Medusa's story still shapes power, rage, and transformation today.  If Looks Could Kill Explore more Greek myth and epic retellings: The Homeric Chronicles , an adult fantasy series inspired by Greek mythology and the Trojan War. Homeric Chronicles S...

Hecuba and Hector: Mother and Son 07.10.2024

An exploration of the relationship between Queen Hecuba of Troy and her son, Prince Hektor.  Explore more Greek myth and epic retellings: The Homeric Chronicles , an adult fantasy series inspired by Greek mythology and the Trojan War. Homeric Chronicles Series WikiHow Expert Contributor

Oenone: Wonder Women of Greek Mythology 25.11.2023

An exploration of Oenone, the wife of Paris and mother of Corythus. She plays a pivitol role in Paris's life and the final days of the Trojan War. Explore more Greek myth and epic retellings: The Homeric Chronicles , an adult fantasy series inspired by Greek mythology and the Trojan War. Homeric Chronicles Series WikiHow Expert Contributor

Achilles: Mother and Commander, Part 2 of 2 12.09.2022

An discussion of Dr. Casey Due Hackney's essay on mothering similes in the Iliad and how modern day warriors reflect the same emotions as the depicted in Homer's work. The heart-breaking 2010 documentary, Restrepo, about the Afghanistan war is also referenced. Explore more Greek myth and epic retellings: The Homeric Chronicles , an adult fantasy series inspired by Greek mythology and the Trojan Wa...

Achilles: Mother and Commander, Part 1 of 2 12.09.2022

This episode explores the essay written by Dr. Casey Due Hackney where she discusses the "mother bird" simile in relation to Achilles and the book Achilles in Vietnam by Dr. Jonathan Shay. The relationship between Achilles and Patroclus (Patrokles) is also discussed. Explore more Greek myth and epic retellings: The Homeric Chronicles , an adult fantasy series inspired by Greek mythology and the Tr...

Thetis: Wonder Women of Greek Mythology 18.08.2021

An exploration of Thetis, the daughter of Nereus, wife to King Peleus, and mother of Achilles. She played a pivotal role in Achilles' life and in the fallout of the Trojan War. Explore more Greek myth and epic retellings: The Homeric Chronicles , an adult fantasy series inspired by Greek mythology and the Trojan War. Homeric Chronicles Series WikiHow Expert Contributor

Hecuba: Queen of Troy Bonus 10.03.2021

An indepth look at Queen Hecuba's intimate relationships as as a queen, wife, and mother after she is forced to give up her second son, Paris. Pre and post Trojan War era. Explore more Greek myth and epic retellings: The Homeric Chronicles , an adult fantasy series inspired by Greek mythology and the Trojan War. Homeric Chronicles Series WikiHow Expert Contributor

Achilles: Super Men of Greek Mythology, Part 2 of 2 29.11.2020

Part 2 of 2: Continuing the exploration of Achilles "history" with myth-facts about his childhood and training. And how his role in the Trojan War as a combat veteran and commander shaped his most intimate relationships. Explore more Greek myth and epic retellings: The Homeric Chronicles , an adult fantasy series inspired by Greek mythology and the Trojan War. Homeric Chronicles Series WikiHow Exp...

Achilles: Super Men of Greek Mythology, Part 1 of 2 29.11.2020

An exploration of Achilles "history" with myth-facts about his childhood and training. And how his role in the Trojan War as a combat veteran and commander shaped his most intimate relationships. Explore more Greek myth and epic retellings: The Homeric Chronicles , an adult fantasy series inspired by Greek mythology and the Trojan War. Homeric Chronicles Series WikiHow Expert Contributor

Helen of Sparta and Troy: Wonder Women of Greek Mythology 13.04.2020

An exploration of how Helen of Troy and Sparta became the symbolic spark of the Trojan War. As a favorite of Aphrodite, she endured the goddess’ blessings and curses. The Wonder Women of Greek Mythology series focuses on the female characters of the Trojan War era. Explore more Greek myth and epic retellings: The Homeric Chronicles , an adult fantasy series inspired by Greek mythology and the Troj...

Briseis: Wonder Women of Greek Mythology, Part 2 of 2 04.08.2019

Part 2 of 2: Continuing the exploration of how Briseis played a crucial part in Achilles life. Part two looks at how their relationship could have developed based on extant sources. By examining Achilles’ response to Agamemnon’s bribery and Briseis’ laments for Patrokles and Achilles, we’re able to glimpse an endearing portrait of one of the most famous Iliadic heroines. The Wonder Women of Greek...

Briseis: Wonder Women of Greek Mythology, Part 1 of 2 30.04.2019

Part 1 of 2: An exploration of how Briseis played a central role in the civil war between Achilles and King Agamemnon. Taken as a war prize, she rose in status to become the wife of Achilles’ heart. The Wonder Women of Greek Mythology series focuses on the female characters of the Trojan War era. Explore more Greek myth and epic retellings: The Homeric Chronicles , an adult fantasy series inspired...

Andromache: Wonder Women of Greek Mythology 17.12.2018

An exploration of how Andromache’s experience of the Trojan War typified that of women in the ancient world. Unlike her Greek counterparts, Andromache lived through the war, day by day, alongside her husband, Hektor. The Wonder Women of Greek Mythology series focuses on the female characters of the Trojan War era. Explore more Greek myth and epic retellings: The Homeric Chronicles , an adult fanta...

Penelope: Wonder Women of Greek Mythology 18.09.2018

An exploration of how Penelope evolved into the iconic figure of a faithful wife and cunning ally for her husband. Against the odds, she raised a prince to manhood and confounded dozens of suitors bent on ripping her world away. The Wonder Women of Greek Mythology series focuses on the female characters of the Trojan War era. Explore more Greek myth and epic retellings: The Homeric Chronicles , an...

Hecuba and Leda: Wonder Women of Greek Mythology 27.05.2018

An exploration of two queens: Hecuba and Leda. These two opposing matriarchs of Greek mythology's most prestigious royal families have more in common, than not. The Wonder Women of Greek Mythology series focuses on the female characters of the Trojan War era. Explore more Greek myth and epic retellings: The Homeric Chronicles , an adult fantasy series inspired by Greek mythology and the Trojan War...

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