EP 21: Oedipus and the Sphinx

EP 21: Oedipus and the Sphinx

Author: Patrick Garner May 4, 2021 Duration: 22:33
... Welcome to Episode 21, Oedipus & the Sphinx.. This episode features the story of Oedipus, an extraordinarily tragic figure in Greek mythology who tries to do his best, but is bested by the Fates. He meets the Sphinx—not the Egyptian version but the divine sphinx that terrified the Greeks in the city of Thebes. She killed man after man by posing impossible riddles. All who failed to answer correctly were promptly eaten alive. Although Oedipus prevails, he canno...

Garner's Greek Mythology moves beyond familiar tales to consider these ancient stories as a living force. Patrick Garner, a best-selling author and mythologist, doesn't just recount the exploits of Zeus, Apollo, or Artemis. He delves into their origins and enduring influence, asking provocative questions about their nature and their surprising evolution through history. This podcast explores what these deities represented to the Greeks and, more uniquely, traces their fragmented journeys into the modern world. You'll hear how figures like Aphrodite, Athena, and Poseidon were transformed, suppressed, or quietly persisted within art, philosophy, and spirituality. Now in its fifth season and heard globally, the series connects the pantheon to broader themes in religion, culture, and society. Garner provides a nuanced perspective that treats mythology not as a static relic but as a dynamic, shifting dialogue about power, love, war, and creation. Each episode builds on this foundation, offering rare insights that challenge conventional interpretations and invite a deeper appreciation for how these ancient gods continue to resonate.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 72

Garner's Greek Mythology
Podcast Episodes
EP 52: Persephone's Gift [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:46
The goddess Persephone was queen of the Underworld. To the amazement of the other divinities, she became the wisest of them all. On rare occasions she would invite humans to visit her in that dark place. In this episode…
EP 51: The Dark Goddess Persephone [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:09
One goddess alone ruled in the ancient underworld. She was Persephone, although the Greeks dared call her only The Goddess. She had been dragged unwillingly into that gloom by Hades, but she quickly adapted to her circum…
EP 50: Delos, Island of the Gods [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:43
2,500 years ago Delos was the most sacred island in Greece. As the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, it was destined to become both the holiest of sanctuaries and a wealthy trading center. Its downside was that it was al…
EP 49: The Goddess of Fortune [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:24
How many of us know about the Goddess Tyche? Today this powerful divinity is largely forgotten. But 2,500 years ago, she was believed to determine the day-to-day fortunes of every Greek. If your ship was tossed against r…
EP 48: Goddesses in the Modern World [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:46
In this episode Garner takes the listener on a pleasant hike in the countryside. But the city dweller stumbles upon a strange scene that may involve Athene, Artemis or Aphrodite. Upon returning to the city our hiker enco…
EP 47: All That Lasts [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:10
Novel 4 of The Naxos Quartet sums up the most important things in life — love and belonging. In this episode Garner reads a brief selection from the book, focusing on a dramatic moment in the return of Inanna, Gaia, Time…
EP 46: Julian Jaynes & The Delphic Oracle [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:50
In 1976 an obscure psychologist from Princeton University published a book titled, “The Origin of Consciousness in the Breakdown of the Bicameral Mind.” It was a sensation, not in small part because Jaynes postulated tha…
EP 45: Interview with Greek AF Radio [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:59
EP 45: Interview with Greek AF Radio In this episode we join hosts Ari and Foti of Greek AF Radio as they interview Patrick Garner on a wide-ranging array of mythology topics. Garner discusses his creative background, hi…
EP 44: The Dark Years [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:31
When Greece became part of the Roman empire in 146 B.C., the Olympic gods were still dominant. But the gods had begun to drift away even then. This episode tracks their willful retreat from the lives of mankind. Narrated…
EP 43: Violence — Human and Divine [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:51
In Episode 43 we analyze the impact of violence on the ancient Greeks. It was everywhere — the product of men constantly warring with each other and the result of gods randomly exerting their power. Far too often the god…