Greek Mythology Retold

Janell Rhiannon draws inspiration from the rich tapestry of Greek mythology and history to craft her adult mythology series, The Homeric Chronicles. She shares her indepth research in every episode of the Greek Mythology Retold Podcast. Discover the delightful surprises that breathe fresh life into both well-known and obscure figures of the Trojan War era. Join Janell Rhiannon on a transformative odyssey, where the echoes of ancient Greek history harmonize with the enchantment of Greek myth.

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Episodes

Hecuba and Hector: Mother and Son

An exploration of the relationship between Queen Hecuba of Troy and her son, Prince Hektor.

Oct 07, 2024•26 min

Oenone: Wonder Women of Greek Mythology

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.

Nov 25, 2023•30 min

Achilles: Mother and Commander, Part 2 of 2

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.

Sep 12, 2022•15 min

Achilles: Mother and Commander, Part 1 of 2

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.

Sep 12, 2022•22 min

Thetis: Wonder Women of Greek Mythology

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.

Aug 18, 2021•41 min

Hecuba: Queen of Troy Bonus

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.

Mar 10, 2021•24 min

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

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.

Nov 29, 2020•29 min

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

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.

Nov 29, 2020•37 min

Helen of Sparta and Troy: Wonder Women of Greek Mythology

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.

Apr 13, 2020•37 min

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

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 Mythology series focuses on the female characters of the Trojan War era.

Aug 04, 2019•25 min

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

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.

Apr 30, 2019•24 min

Andromache: Wonder Women of Greek Mythology

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.

Dec 17, 2018•43 min

Penelope: Wonder Women of Greek Mythology

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.

Sep 18, 2018•35 min

Hecuba and Leda: Wonder Women of Greek Mythology

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.

May 27, 2018•24 min

Clytemnestra: Wonder Women of Greek Mythology

An exploration of why Clytemnestra is one of the most powerful women in Greek mythology. The Wonder Women of Greek Mythology series focuses on the female characters of the Trojan War era.

May 06, 2018•15 min

The Timeline of the First Trojan War

The final episode in the timeline of the Trojan War series focuses on the generation of the First Trojan War, covering Herakles and Hesione, King Laomedon, and Podarces (Priam) and reveals how these events are tied chronologically to the second, more popular Trojan War.

Apr 29, 2018•14 min

The Timeline of Helen of Sparta

Continuing with the timeline of the Pre-Trojan War years, this episode focuses on events surrounding Helen of Sparta. How old was she when she was "taken" by Paris? When was she "taken" by Paris? How old was Helen compared to Achilles and Paris? These questions and several others are answered in this second episode.

Apr 27, 2018•21 min

The Timeline of Trojan War Events

How the "Golden Apple" event and the "Judgement of Paris" inform a clearer understanding of a chronological narrative of the pre-Trojan War years.

Apr 22, 2018•12 min

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