What a Classic!

In this episode, we dive into the opening chapter of Homer’s The Iliad , where the stage is set for an epic conflict. The Achaeans are battling the Trojans, but a bitter quarrel between two of the greatest Greek warriors, Achilles and Agamemnon, threatens to unravel their efforts. The conflict begins over a prize of war, the captive woman Briseis, which Agamemnon takes from Achilles, sparking Achi...

In this spotlight episode, we are pausing before the action of the Iliad to focus on the legendary figure of Homer, the author of this monumental epic.   Who was Homer?  What do we know about his life and works?   How has his works shaped our understanding of the Classical world?  Join us as we explore the time period in which he wrote, the cultural context that shaped his stories, and the role of...

In this episode, we uncover the first nine years of the Trojan War—before the glory of the Iliad . While the epic battles and heroism of Achilles and Hector steal the spotlight in the story we know, the years leading up to that moment were filled with hardship and suffering. The Trojans, trapped behind their fortified walls, struggled to hold their ground, while the Greeks faced their own set of c...

In this episode, we dive into the dramatic events that ignited the Trojan War—a story filled with betrayal, sacrifice, and the will of the gods. It all starts when Helen, the most beautiful woman in the world, disappears from Sparta. Furious and heartbroken, her husband, Menelaus, calls upon his brother Agamemnon, and together they summon the might of the Greek kings to demand her return. The stak...

The stage is set, the players are in place, and the seeds of the Trojan War are about to be sown.   In this episode, we dive deep into the myths that set the groundwork for one of history’s most legendary conflicts.   From the Curse of Atreus and the bloody cycle of vengeance in Mycenae, to the fateful decisions of Paris and how it sets the scene for the eventual fall of Troy, the gods and mortals...

In this episode, we dive deep into the myth of Circe, the infamous witch from Odysseus’ tale who turned men into pigs, but who is so much more than just a villain.   From her punishment of Glaucus, her banishment to her magical island, to her unexpected relationship with Odysseus, Circe’s story is one of power, betrayal, and transformation. We’ll uncover her journey from a goddess exiled in isolat...

Love, betrayal, revenge. A powerful woman scorned, or a victim of her circumstances?   In this episode of What a Classic! , we dive into one of the most iconic—and controversial—figures in Greek mythology: Medea. From her fateful meeting with Jason to the ultimate act of vengeance that would change her life forever, this myth is packed with drama and moral dilemmas. But the real question is: Can h...

Jason and the Argonauts sailed through stormy seas, faced mythical monsters, and braved impossible odds to claim the Golden Fleece . But when Jason returns home, he discovers that victory isn’t always sweet—and glory comes at a steep price. In this epic tale, we’re diving into Jason’s legendary quest, from the eerie island of Lemnos to the treacherous shores of Colchis . Along the way, Jason and h...

What does it take to be a hero? Is it strength, sacrifice, or something deeper? In this episode, we dive into the epic tale of Heracles—the mythic Greek hero who slayed monsters, battled gods, and completed the impossible Twelve Labours. But did his legendary feats bring him redemption, or just more suffering?     From facing the terrifying Hydra to conquering the Underworld itself, Heracles' jour...

In this episode of What a Classic! , we’re unpacking one of the most misunderstood figures in Greek mythology: Medusa. Often seen as a monster to be slain, Medusa’s story is one of injustice, transformation, and the powerful consequences of divine wrath.  But what if Medusa isn’t the villain we’ve been led to believe? We’ll explore how Medusa was once a beautiful mortal, a priestess of Athena, who...

A cursed king, a monstrous labyrinth, and a deadly showdown with a beast like no other—this episode pulls you into one of Greek mythology’s most twisted and tragic tales. When King Minos defies the gods, Poseidon curses his wife, leading to the birth of the monstrous Minotaur. Trapped in an inescapable maze, the creature terrorises Crete, demanding a deadly tribute from Athens every nine years.  B...

In this episode (our final episode in our Olympian series) we dive deep into the world of Dionysus, the Greek god of wine, revelry, and madness.   From his dramatic birth to his encounters with pirates, kings, and mortals, we explore the myths that shaped his complex character. We also take a closer look at his ecstatic worship—whether through the Dionysia festival, the wild dances of the Maenads,...

Prepare for battle in this week’s episode as we tackle one of the most feared—and misunderstood—gods of Mount Olympus: Ares, the god of war! 🏹⚔️  Ares is often seen as the embodiment of mindless violence, chaos, and bloodshed, but there's so much more to this powerful deity than just his love for conflict. We explore how the ancient Greeks both feared and worshiped Ares, seeing him as both a nece...

In this episode of What a Classic! , we’re exploring the irresistible—and often tumultuous—world of Aphrodite, the goddess who has captured our imaginations for centuries. From her dramatic birth from the sea foam to her role in the epic Judgement of Paris, Aphrodite's myths are as complex as love itself. But there’s more to her than just romance—discover the scandalous twists in her marriage to H...

Step into the shadows of the Underworld as we explore the dark and fascinating world of Hades. From his powerful rule over the dead to his complex relationships with Persephone and the tragic Orpheus and Eurydice, we unravel the myths that have haunted ancient Greece for centuries. We'll also dive into the heroic feats of Heracles in his labours, including his encounters with Cerberus and the dead...

In this episode, we plunge into the chaotic and awe-inspiring world of Poseidon , the god who ruled the seas with a trident and a stormy temperament. Discover how ancient Greeks worshipped him at grand temples and how his power could nurture or destroy, shaping both the land and the sea. 🏛️🌊 We also explore his legendary conflicts, including his infamous feud with Odysseus, and the complex side o...

Join me as I explore the fierce Athena , the goddess of strength and wisdom! Born from Metis, and Zeus’s head, she’s a true powerhouse. We’ll dive into her epic showdown with Poseidon over Athens , where her olive tree win embodies community values. But it’s not all heroics—Athena’s punishment of Arachne shows that pride can backfire, just like challenging your parents! Plus, we’ll unpack her stra...

Dive into the drama of Greek mythology with this episode, where we shine the spotlight on Hera , the queen of the gods! Hera is way more than just Zeus' jealous wife! 🎭✨ In this episode, we unravel Hera's complex character, exploring her fierce loyalty, jealousy, and struggles for power. From her tumultuous marriage with Zeus to her vengeful actions against his lovers, we dig deep into the myths...

Welcome back to What a Classic! In this episode, titled "Zeus: The Original Womaniser," we delve into the captivating and complex world of Zeus, the King of the Olympian gods. As we explore the aftermath of the Greek creation myth, we uncover Zeus's dual nature—both a powerful protector and a notorious womaniser. From his fierce battles against the Giants to his infamous romantic escapades, we’ll...

Welcome back to the second episode of What a Classic! In this exciting episode, we journey into the aftermath of the Titanomachy and the roles assigned to the Titans by Zeus. Meet Prometheus and Epimetheus, two brothers whose contrasting natures lead to the creation of humanity - and chaos! Discover how Prometheus defies Zeus to steal fire, igniting hope and creativity in humans while also incurri...

In this inaugural episode, we explore the captivating Greek creation myth, from the primordial chaos to the rise of the Olympian gods. Discover how Gaia and Ouranos birthed the Titans and the monstrous Cyclopes, and witness Kronos' brutal rebellion against his father. We’ll delve into the dramatic Titanomachy, where the Olympians clash with the Titans for supremacy. Along the way, we’ll uncover wh...