The most entertaining and enraging stories from mythology told casually, contemporarily, and (let's be honest) sarcastically. Greek and Roman gods did some pretty weird (and awful) things. Gods, goddesses, heroes, monsters, and everything in between. Regular episodes every Tuesday, conversations with authors and scholars or readings of ancient epics every Friday.
Liv speaks with Cosi Carnegie about sparagmos, the tearing apart of Pentheus, in Euripides Bacchae. Check out more from Cosi here. Submit your questions to the quarterly Q&A episodes! CW/TW: far too many Greek myths involve assault. Given it's fiction, and typically involves gods and/or monsters, I'm not as deferential as I would be were I referencing the real thing. Attributions and licensing information for music used in the podcast can be found here: mythsbaby.com/sources-attributions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
04/10/2024 • 67:27
The final narrative episode of the Euripides series has been postponed... For now, welcome to Spooky Season. This episode originally aired in 2021. CW/TW: far too many Greek myths involve assault. Given it's fiction, and typically involves gods and/or monsters, I'm not as deferential as I would be were I referencing the real thing. Sources: Theoi.com: Aeschylus' Agamemnon, translated by Herbert Weir Smyth and found on Theoi; Early Greek Myths by Timothy Gantz. Episode title is an edited quote from Scream 2. Attributions and licensing information for music used in the podcast can be found here: mythsbaby.com/sources-attributions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
02/10/2024 • 30:18
Liv speaks with Sean Gurd who specialized in, and records reconstructions of, ancient music from its archaic origins down to the aulos players of Euripidean tragedy. The aulos pieces were recorded at the Ancient Music and Performance Lab at UT Austin and were written by Jonathan Churchett and Sean Gurd, aulos performed by Johnathan Churchett. Recordings used with permission. Submit your questions to the quarterly Q&A episodes! CW/TW: far too many Greek myths involve assault. Given it's fiction, and typically involves gods and/or monsters, I'm not as deferential as I would be were I referencing the real thing. Attributions and licensing information for music used in the podcast can be found here: mythsbaby.com/sources-attributions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
27/09/2024 • 93:02
Hermes Historia is a new series hosted by Liv and Michaela, brief lessons in ancient history. This time: the evolution of the physical theatre space... Sign up for a new newsletter to stay in the loop about the upcoming ad-free subscriptions where future Hermes' Historia episodes will live! Submit your questions to the quarterly Q&A episodes! CW/TW: far too many Greek myths involve assault. Given it's fiction, and typically involves gods and/or monsters, I'm not as deferential as I would be were I referencing the real thing. Sources: Theatre in Ancient Greek Society by JR Green;The Context of Ancient Drama by Eric and William J. Slater. Herodotus' The Histories, translated by Robin Waterfield. Attributions and licensing information for music used in the podcast can be found here: mythsbaby.com/sources-attributions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
26/09/2024 • 42:58
Some of the most realistic, sympathetic, complex, and villainous women of the ancient world are found in the works of Euripides. He seemed to have had an interest in the people on the margins, women, foreign "barbarians", and enslaved people. Today we're looking at them, and Euripides through them. Find the International Podcast Day livestream here! CW/TW: far too many Greek myths involve assault. Given it's fiction, and typically involves gods and/or monsters, I'm not as deferential as I would be were I referencing the real thing. Sources: (Translations listed under each) Euripides' Hecuba, The Trojan Women, Medea, Hippolytus, Andromache, The Suppliant Women; Aristophanes' Thesmophoriazusae; Mary Lefkowitz' Euripides and the Gods. Attributions and licensing information for music used in the podcast can be found here: mythsbaby.com/sources-attributions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
24/09/2024 • 39:57
What if Antigone had a happy ending, or if Oedipus was blind before he ever reached the city of Thebes? Liv speaks with Toph Marshall about the lost but not forgotten fragments of Euripides' Oedipus and Antigone. Submit your questions to the quarterly Q&A episodes! CW/TW: far too many Greek myths involve assault. Given it's fiction, and typically involves gods and/or monsters, I'm not as deferential as I would be were I referencing the real thing. Attributions and licensing information for music used in the podcast can be found here: mythsbaby.com/sources-attributions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
20/09/2024 • 59:54
Like most things Euripides wrote, his treatment of the Olympian gods and what they were capable of (and best of all, how that's received by mortals) is absolutely ripe for interpretation. Euripides walked the line of impiety and seemed to have a ball. CW/TW: far too many Greek myths involve assault. Given it's fiction, and typically involves gods and/or monsters, I'm not as deferential as I would be were I referencing the real thing. Sources: The Masque of Dionysus by Helen P Foley; Isabelle Torrance's Euripides; Mary Lefkowitz' Euripides and the Gods; passages read from Hippolytus and Helen, translated by EP Coleridge; Ion, translated by Cecelia Eaton Luschnig; and Bacchae, translated by T. A. Buckley, revised by Alex Sens, and further revised by Gregory Nagy. Attributions and licensing information for music used in the podcast can be found here: mythsbaby.com/sources-attributions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
17/09/2024 • 37:46
Liv speaks with Dr Melissa Funke about the gender and the women in Euripides' fragmentary works. Find more from Melissa at the Peopling the Past project. Submit your questions to the quarterly Q&A episodes! CW/TW: far too many Greek myths involve assault. Given it's fiction, and typically involves gods and/or monsters, I'm not as deferential as I would be were I referencing the real thing. Attributions and licensing information for music used in the podcast can be found here: mythsbaby.com/sources-attributions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
13/09/2024 • 82:39
Hermes Historia is a new series hosted by Liv and Michaela, brief lessons in ancient history. In the future the series will be exclusive to supporters of the show (more on that soon!) but we're releasing the first few episodes on the main feed... First up, the history of ancient theatre. Submit your questions to the quarterly Q&A episodes! CW/TW: far too many Greek myths involve assault. Given it's fiction, and typically involves gods and/or monsters, I'm not as deferential as I would be were I referencing the real thing. Sources: Theatre in Ancient Greek Society by JR Green;The Context of Ancient Drama by Eric and William J. Slater. Herodotus' The Histories, translated by Robin Waterfield. Attributions and licensing information for music used in the podcast can be found here: mythsbaby.com/sources-attributions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
12/09/2024 • 51:13
Continuing with the life of Euripides we look closer at 5th Century Athens and how the events happening around Euripides likely influenced his writing and the stories he wanted to tell. CW/TW: far too many Greek myths involve assault. Given it's fiction, and typically involves gods and/or monsters, I'm not as deferential as I would be were I referencing the real thing. Sources: Brill's Companion to Euripides "Life of Euripides", William Blake Tyrell; Euripides' Ion, translated by Robert Potter; Isabelle Torrance's Euripides. Attributions and licensing information for music used in the podcast can be found here: mythsbaby.com/sources-attributions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10/09/2024 • 49:44
Liv speaks with Sarah Olsen, editor of Queer Euripides, about performance and gender, and performing gender, in Euripides. Submit your questions to the quarterly Q&A episodes! CW/TW: far too many Greek myths involve assault. Given it's fiction, and typically involves gods and/or monsters, I'm not as deferential as I would be were I referencing the real thing. Attributions and licensing information for music used in the podcast can be found here: mythsbaby.com/sources-attributions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
06/09/2024 • 65:31
We have more of Euripides' work than either of the other tragedians combined and yet the details of his life, him as a real person composing real art, are frustratingly lacking. And when they're not lacking, they're often just slander or wild misunderstandings of history. Today we begin looking at the life and times of Euripides, the first BEST playwright. CW/TW: far too many Greek myths involve assault. Given it's fiction, and typically involves gods and/or monsters, I'm not as deferential as I would be were I referencing the real thing. Sources: Brill's Companion to Euripides "Life of Euripides", William Blake Tyrell; Isabelle Torrance's Euripides; Euripides' Bacchae, translated by TA Buckley; Euripides' Phoenissae, translated by EP Coleridge; Euripides' Alcestis, translated by David Kovacs; Euripides' Trojan Women, translated by EP Coleridge. Attributions and licensing information for music used in the podcast can be found here: mythsbaby.com/sources-attributions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
03/09/2024 • 38:43
Liv speaks with Professor Helen King about her new book Immaculate Forms, and the history of the female body. From the ancient world (women were wet and spongy) to the more modern (Man Discovers Clitoris). Plus, Artemis and periods. CW/TW: far too many Greek myths involve assault. Given it's fiction, and typically involves gods and/or monsters, I'm not as deferential as I would be were I referencing the real thing. Attributions and licensing information for music used in the podcast can be found here: mythsbaby.com/sources-attributions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
30/08/2024 • 90:22
Liv finishes telling the story of the only surviving Satyr play, Euripides' Cyclops and Euripides' take on Odysseus and Polyphemus...and a chorus of d*** swinging satyrs. Help keep LTAMB going by subscribing to Liv's Patreon for bonus content! CW/TW: far too many Greek myths involve assault. Given it's fiction, and typically involves gods and/or monsters, I'm not as deferential as I would be were I referencing the real thing. Sources: Euripides' Cyclops Companion by Carl A Shaw; Euripides' Cyclops from Six Classical Greek Comedies, translated by Kenneth McLeish and J. Michael Walton; Warwick entry on the Sanctuary of Dionysus. Attributions and licensing information for music used in the podcast can be found here: mythsbaby.com/sources-attributions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
27/08/2024 • 29:52
Liv reads the final books of the Fall of Troy, translated by AS Way. The final horrors of the war, and some satisfying bad luck for the Greeks on their way home... Help keep LTAMB going by subscribing to Liv's Patreon for bonus content! This is not a standard narrative story episode, it's a reading of an ancient source, audiobook style. For regular episodes look for any that don't have "Liv Reads..." in the title! For a list of Roman/Latin names and who they were in the Greek, visit: mythsbaby.com/names Attributions and licensing information for music used in the podcast can be found here: mythsbaby.com/sources-attributions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
23/08/2024 • 70:33
Liv looks at some of the more phallic origins of theatre (hint, it's very phallic) and retells the only surviving Satyr play, Euripides' Cyclops. Help keep LTAMB going by subscribing to Liv's Patreon for bonus content! CW/TW: far too many Greek myths involve assault. Given it's fiction, and typically involves gods and/or monsters, I'm not as deferential as I would be were I referencing the real thing. Sources: Euripides' Cyclops Companion by Carl A Shaw; Euripides' Cyclops from Six Classical Greek Comedies, translated by Kenneth McLeish and J. Michael Walton; Warwick entry on the Sanctuary of Dionysus. Attributions and licensing information for music used in the podcast can be found here: mythsbaby.com/sources-attributions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
20/08/2024 • 42:08
No, Euripides was not the first playwright but he was the first BEST playwright. Coming September 3rd, we're diving into the man himself, the world in which he wrote, and everything that made him unique (and joyfully weird)! Attributions and licensing information for music used in the podcast can be found here: mythsbaby.com/sources-attributions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
19/08/2024 • 02:21
Liv reads Book 12 and part of Book 13 of the Fall of Troy, translated by AS Way. The Greeks get a little divine help in the form of a follow wooden horse. It does not go well for the Trojans (or Sinon, or Laocoon). Help keep LTAMB going by subscribing to Liv's Patreon for bonus content! This is not a standard narrative story episode, it's a reading of an ancient source, audiobook style. For regular episodes look for any that don't have "Liv Reads..." in the title! For a list of Roman/Latin names and who they were in the Greek, visit: mythsbaby.com/names Attributions and licensing information for music used in the podcast can be found here: mythsbaby.com/sources-attributions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
16/08/2024 • 69:20
Surprise! Liv answers even more listener questions because there were too many and they were too good. Remember you can submit your question for the next Q&A episode(s) anytime at mythsbaby.com/questions Help keep LTAMB going by subscribing to Liv's Patreon for bonus content! CW/TW: far too many Greek myths involve assault. Given it's fiction, and typically involves gods and/or monsters, I'm not as deferential as I would be were I referencing the real thing. Attributions and licensing information for music used in the podcast can be found here: mythsbaby.com/sources-attributions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
13/08/2024 • 58:31
Liv answers more listener questions, featuring myth, history, and lots of educated rambling! Help keep LTAMB going by subscribing to Liv's Patreon for bonus content! CW/TW: far too many Greek myths involve assault. Given it's fiction, and typically involves gods and/or monsters, I'm not as deferential as I would be were I referencing the real thing. Attributions and licensing information for music used in the podcast can be found here: mythsbaby.com/sources-attributions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
09/08/2024 • 80:55
Liv answers listener questions, featuring myth, history, and a little bit about ancient Greek dialects! More questions will be answered on Friday's episode. Help keep LTAMB going by subscribing to Liv's Patreon for bonus content! CW/TW: far too many Greek myths involve assault. Given it's fiction, and typically involves gods and/or monsters, I'm not as deferential as I would be were I referencing the real thing. Attributions and licensing information for music used in the podcast can be found here: mythsbaby.com/sources-attributions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
06/08/2024 • 61:13
Liv speaks with Alexandra Sills (of Gladiator episodes fame) about the origins of the Olympic Games. Spoilers: the ancient Greeks were a wild bunch. Read more from Alexandra at Bad Ancient and Working Classicists. Help keep LTAMB going by subscribing to Liv's Patreon for bonus content! CW/TW: far too many Greek myths involve assault. Given it's fiction, and typically involves gods and/or monsters, I'm not as deferential as I would be were I referencing the real thing. Attributions and licensing information for music used in the podcast can be found here: mythsbaby.com/sources-attributions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
02/08/2024 • 83:02
A look at the ancient and mythological history of Olympics, featuring some songs written for the ancient games' victors. CW/TW: far too many Greek myths involve assault. Given it's fiction, and typically involves gods and/or monsters, I'm not as deferential as I would be were I referencing the real thing. Sources: Pindar, the Odes, translated by Andrew M. Miller; readings from the Ernest Myers translation; Pausanias' Description of Greece translated by WHS Jones. Attributions and licensing information for music used in the podcast can be found here: mythsbaby.com/sources-attributions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
30/07/2024 • 37:38
Liv reads the rest of Book 10 and Book 11 of the Fall of Troy, translated by AS Way. Paris is injured and the only woman who can save him is the wife he abandoned for Helen. Things aren't looking good for the Trojans, but Aeneas is pretty cool. Help keep LTAMB going by subscribing to Liv's Patreon for bonus content! This is not a standard narrative story episode, it's a reading of an ancient source, audiobook style. For regular episodes look for any that don't have "Liv Reads..." in the title! For a list of Roman/Latin names and who they were in the Greek, visit: mythsbaby.com/names Attributions and licensing information for music used in the podcast can be found here: mythsbaby.com/sources-attributions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
26/07/2024 • 64:49
Liv finishes revisiting the third episode of the podcast, the many crimes of Zeus, this time breaking down what's hidden behind the wild stories of a predatory god. Help keep LTAMB going by subscribing to Liv's Patreon for bonus content! Submit to this year's summer/anniversary Q&A! CW/TW: far too many Greek myths involve assault. Given it's fiction, and typically involves gods and/or monsters, I'm not as deferential as I would be were I referencing the real thing. Attributions and licensing information for music used in the podcast can be found here: mythsbaby.com/sources-attributions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
23/07/2024 • 48:08
Some of Michaela's favourite moments from the last couple years of the podcast, because it's our seven year anniversary! CW/TW: this compilation features episodes on Seneca's Thyestes (major gore etc.) and one on Ovid's "Nice Guys" (major misogyny), and as always... far too many Greek myths involve assault. Given it's fiction, and typically involves gods and/or monsters, I'm not as deferential as I would be were I referencing the real thing. Sources: Refer to the original episodes for sources/further information. Attributions and licensing information for music used in the podcast can be found here: mythsbaby.com/sources-attributions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
19/07/2024 • 91:55
Liv revisits the third episode of the podcast, the many crimes of Zeus, this time breaking down what's hidden behind the wild stories of a predatory god. Help keep LTAMB going by subscribing to Liv's Patreon for bonus content! Submit to this year's summer/anniversary Q&A! CW/TW: far too many Greek myths involve assault. Given it's fiction, and typically involves gods and/or monsters, I'm not as deferential as I would be were I referencing the real thing. Attributions and licensing information for music used in the podcast can be found here: mythsbaby.com/sources-attributions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
16/07/2024 • 63:26
Liv reads Book 9 and part of Book 10 of the Fall of Troy, translated by AS Way. With Neoptolemus on their side the Greeks defeat Troy's hero Eurypylus and the Trojans put up their last stand. Help keep LTAMB going by subscribing to Liv's Patreon for bonus content! This is not a standard narrative story episode, it's a reading of an ancient source, audiobook style. For regular episodes look for any that don't have "Liv Reads..." in the title! For a list of Roman/Latin names and who they were in the Greek, visit: mythsbaby.com/names Attributions and licensing information for music used in the podcast can be found here: mythsbaby.com/sources-attributions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
12/07/2024 • 63:03
Liv shares an episode of Ancient History Fangirl, Genn and Jenny have a story to share... That time Heracles, the strong man, son of Zeus and noted impenetrable penetrator, lived as a woman. Yes, you read that right. And not only did he live as a woman, he was the submissive to a powerful female dom who took up his lionskin and club as symbols of her own power. Get ready for a fun, gender-bending episode that completely overturns the ancient Greek binary. Get the show notes here. Find more from Ancient History Fangirl.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
09/07/2024 • 67:47
Liv reads the rest of Book 7 and part of 8 of the Fall of Troy, translated by AS Way. With the threat of Eurypylus on the side of Troy, Odysseus and Diomedes go in search of Achilles' son Neoptolemus. Help keep LTAMB going by subscribing to Liv's Patreon for bonus content! This is not a standard narrative story episode, it's a reading of an ancient source, audiobook style. For regular episodes look for any that don't have "Liv Reads..." in the title! For a list of Roman/Latin names and who they were in the Greek, visit: mythsbaby.com/names Attributions and licensing information for music used in the podcast can be found here: mythsbaby.com/sources-attributions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
05/07/2024 • 51:17