The Mythical Hour : Greek and Roman Mythology

Podcast was good. You just need a better mic and I hope you do good in your life. I really like how you know all your facts.

Listened to the first few episodes and it wasn’t bad. I can totally get past the mic and sounds, doesn’t really bother me. However, the research could be more thorough. I know Liesel says in the early episodes she is 15, and cool, totally all for exploring content and celebrating young entrepreneurship, but… I think that also should be added as a disclaimer in the sense that the telling of these stories is from the perspective of youthful interest and debate, rather than being presented as a kind of definitive singular understanding. By that I mean to say the show content could be more robust and include more about the different interpretations of the myths. The episode that lost me, for instance, was the one on Hades and Persephone. Now, I get it the episode was about Hades, but the story of Persephone is more complex than it is presented with more manipulations from outside characters. Some interpretations of this myth claim that Hades was so enamored with Persephone because he had been struck by Cupid’s arrow, which could potentially call into question whether Hades wasn’t also a victim here. Now I could be wrong, but I believe Cupid was one of Aphrodite’s children & compelled her son to shoot Hades with the arrow. I’m not sure why, but the effects of the arrow were not reversible as Hades discovered when he went to Zeus for help. Zeus suggests as a solution that he kidnaps Persephone to fulfill his desires because at this point Hades can’t escape his obsession, not just desire. Also, there are some that actually suggest that the relationship between Zeus and Hera is a direct contrast to the relationship between Hades and Persephone. Where Zeus was absolutely a playboy and constantly went behind Hera’s back to enjoy carnal pleasures and Hera is the typical jealous wife who lashes out and against the women he goes after because there isn’t much she can do against Zeus… Hades is nothing but faithful to Persephone and Persephone even comes to respect and care for Hades. While she does not view him as a perfect male specimen, as she often acts against his wishes and supports several heroes in escaping the underworld as proof, Hades does not retaliate against her. He is so devoted to her that he can forgive her nearly anything and as a result she maintains much of her autonomy. These two relationships are paralleled to each other, and the stories and symbolism play on a sense of irony that Zeus and Hera living in Olympus and supposedly the model for godhood and “good” are, in fact, inherently flawed. And not just as individual's, but as a couple. Where as Persephone and Hades, who are more often associated with tragedy and negative connotations and rule over a realm of death that humans are often in fear of, are more generous to each other and even loving towards each other. I also thought it interesting that none of Persephone’s children were mentioned although she was generally believed to have had at least 2, both of whom are generally accepted to have been fathered by Zeus in his multiple successful attempts to essentially rape Persephone. I believe there are some debates over the existence of and parentage of potential other children, but despite these debates, it is generally agreed that Hades himself had no children. This leaves room for interpretation that maybe Hades’ obsession with Persephone was not in fact exclusively carnal and that their relationship remained more pleasant as a result of their friendship and, arguably, mutually shared experiences as victims of manipulation in god politics that resulted them ending up together. However we interpret it however, I think there is definitely parts of the story in this episode (as well as Zeus’ episode) where these alternative understandings of the myths could have been shared and more thoroughly explored.

My friends have read all of Percy Jackson and have gotten me interested in Greek mythology. Of course we’ve all heard some stories but I’ve wanted to really know them. I don’t know where to get a book about it but this was a great way for me to learn. I think the way you explained it is also better for me anyway so thank you and keep doing what you’re doing. Ps: I’ve spent all day listening to these episodes and I’m almost done! I’m eating it up ❤️

You know your facts!! I have been obsessed with mythology in general ever since 4th grade, but especially Greek and Roman mythology, and u got everything spot on! The whole reason I got into mythology in the first place was because of the Rick Riordan books, so mbby u could do an episode on that and everything? Also u do kinda need a better mic. Love your podcast, by far one of my favorites I’ve listened to(and I’m a die hard podcast lover lol)✨✨