Medusa
The Ancients7 Sep 2023

Medusa

This episode contains references to sexual assault.


Medusa stands as one of the most iconic yet misconstrued figures of Greek mythology.


Recognised as one of the three Gorgons, she is notoriously portrayed with serpentine hair and petrifying eyes that turn onlookers to stone. Her life is famously ended by Perseus, the demigod son of Zeus. Popular culture often reduces her to a monstrous caricature, even using her name interchangeably for all Gorgons. But how much of this aligns with ancient records, and how much is a Hollywood construct? To unravel this enigma, Tristan welcomes classicist, author, and broadcaster Natalie Haynes. Together, they dissect Medusa's origins, delve into her tragic narrative marked by betrayals from Perseus and Athena, and ponder the implications of her myth in today's context.


You can purchase Natalie Haynes's book on Medusa, Stone Blind, here and pre-order her new one Divine Might: Goddesses in Greek Myth, here.


Senior Producer was Elena Guthrie

Script was written by Andrew Hulse

Voice over was performed by Nichola Woolley

Assistant Producer was Annie Coloe

Editor was Aidan Lonergan


Discover the past on History Hit with ad-free original podcasts and documentaries released weekly presented by world renowned historians like Dan Snow, Suzannah Lipscomb, Lucy Worsley, Matt Lewis, Tristan Hughes and more. Get 50% off your first 3 months with code ANCIENTS. Download the app on your smart TV or in the app store or sign up here.


You can take part in our listener survey here.


For more Ancient's content, subscribe to our Ancient's newsletter here.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episoder(617)

Rise of Christianity

Rise of Christianity

How did a persecuted minority religion rise to be embraced and enforced by mighty Roman Emperors?Tristan Hughes is joined by Professor Peter Heather to chart the dramatic rise of Christianity, explori...

4 Jan 1h 7min

The First Life on Earth

The First Life on Earth

Today we’re going back to the beginning – no Romans, Celts, Egyptians or Macedonians in sight. Billions of years of prehistory as we look at the emergence of life on Earth. From the rise of the earlie...

1 Jan 1h 22min

The Ice Age

The Ice Age

Think of the Ice Age and tales of ferocious sabre-toothed tigers and giant megafauna likely spring to mind - but what do we know about prehistoric human culture 25,000 years ago and how people survive...

28 Des 202532min

The Minoan Labyrinth

The Minoan Labyrinth

Assassin’s Creed Odyssey immerses players in the mythology of Ancient Greece. In particular, they can walk in the footsteps of Theseus through the Labyrinth and come face to face with the mythical Min...

25 Des 202542min

Emperor Diocletian and the Great Persecution

Emperor Diocletian and the Great Persecution

How did a humble Balkan soldier ascend to the heights of Roman power?Tristan Hughes is joined by Dr. David Gwynn to explore the tumultuous reign of Emperor Diocletian and the significant reforms that ...

21 Des 202557min

Paestum: Ancient Greeks in Italy

Paestum: Ancient Greeks in Italy

The story of ancient Italy is so much more than just Rome. In this special episode, we're shining a light on the extraordinary site of Paestum in southern Italy, home to some of the greatest ancient G...

18 Des 202555min

Stegosaurus: Titan of the Jurassic

Stegosaurus: Titan of the Jurassic

Few dinosaurs are as instantly recognisable as the plated titan Stegosaurus - it's the Jurassic giant with a brain the size of a walnut and a tail that could kill.In this episode of The Ancients, Tris...

14 Des 202545min

Rise of King Herod

Rise of King Herod

He’s the villain of the Nativity. An alleged killer of innocents, remembered as one of history’s great monsters. But the truth about Herod the Great is far more dramatic, far more complex, and far mor...

11 Des 202548min

Populært innen Historie

med-egne-oyne
rss-dette-ma-aldri-skje-igjen
historier-som-endret-norge
henrettelsespodden
rss-katastrofe
historier-som-endret-verden
rss-nadelose-nordmenn-gestapo
rss-benadet
sektledere
aftenposten-historie
rss-strid-de-norske-borgerkrigene
rss-frontkjemperne
rss-politisk-preik
rss-gamle-greier
rss-bisarr-historie
historiepodden-ww2
rss-historiske-romanser-svik-drap-og-kjarlighet
historiepodden
rss-historiepodden-ww2
vare-historier