EP 29: Heracles - Greece's Superhero

EP 29: Heracles - Greece's Superhero

Author: Patrick Garner August 12, 2021 Duration: 20:32
Welcome to Episode 29 … Listen as we learn about the real Heracles, Greece’s indisputable superhero. A semi-divine being and the son of Zeus, Heracles experienced tragedies and triumphs. He never refused a challenge. In this episode we look at his 12 labors, his loves and his transformation from mortal to immortal god … Narrated by mythologist and best-selling author, Patrick Garner, Garner's Greek Mythology is unlike any other Greek history series. Here these divine beings are ...

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 62:  When Zeus Came Knocking [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:30
When Zeus Came Knocking A visit by Zeus and Hermes to an old couple’s home in ancient Greece sparked a tradition that goes on even today. All ancient Greeks knew that hospitality to strangers could bring fortune. Inhospi…
EP 61  — In Love's Crosshairs: Psyche & Eros [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:36
What happens when Eros, the mischievous son of the goddess Aphrodite, sees Psyche, the most beautiful woman in the world? Star-crossed love, of course! Travel in our time machine back to ancient Greece and follow the tim…
EP 60: Thebes, The City That Gods & Heroes Forsook [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:37
EP 60: Thebes, The City That Gods & Heroes Forsook Of all the Greek city-states,Thebes was the one most soaked in blood and ancient curses. There, the hero Heracles had killed his wife and children. There, the god Dionys…
EP 59: Artemis Redux [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:07
In this latest episode, we revisit the towering goddess Artemis, who reveled in the hunt, yet also protected girls, women and young animals. Of all the divinities, she was the most paradoxical. If you love this podcast,…
EP 58: Pericles' Funeral Oration [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:37
In this latest episode, we listen to a portion of the greatest speeches of all time, Pericles’ famous funeral oration. Inspired by the goddess Athene, it was given by this Athenian statesman at the end of the first year…
EP 57: How The Gods Began [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:47
For almost 60 episodes, I’ve talked about the glory of the Greeks during the golden years of ancient Greece. I’ve also talked about when worship of the gods ended. In this new episode we go back to the beginning, to the…
EP 56: Do This To Live A Good Life [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:54
EP 56: Do this to live a good life The Greek world centered around Delphi for two reasons. One — the world’s most famous oracle resided there. Two — the secrets to a good life were carved into the marble sides of Apollo’…
EP 55: The Mysterious Goddess of Persuasion [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:48
In the politics of Athens' new democracy, one goddess reined supreme: Peitho. She was the unheralded goddess of persuasion. Her influence brought down the philosopher Socrates. She could make any man silver-tongued, and…
EP 54: The Gods of Alexander the Great [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:10
There’s nothing like divine intervention to ensure success. Of course, things can go badly when it ends. Follow Alexander’s 10-year military career that earned him the moniker “Alexander the Great.” If you love this podc…
EP 53: The Doomed Love of Orpheus and Eurydice [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:42
Orpheus, Apollo’s son, became famous for his extraordinary music and poetry. As talented as he was, he was unable to find love. But one golden afternoon he saw Eurydice, a beautiful nymph. The two fell in love. But their…