Garner's Greek Mythology

EP 72 — The Golden Bough

The tale of The Golden Bough startled people in 1890 when mythologist Sir James George Fraser claimed human sacrifice was practiced in the heart of the Roman Empire. In t

EP 71 -- Beyond The Grave

What happened to the Greeks after death? What did other people in 500 BC believe? In this episode, we look at the afterworld of Greeks, Jews, Egyptians, Persians, Buddhis

EP 70 — The Gods in Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations

The great Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius kept a private diary during his endless military campaigns against the empire’s invaders. A new translation of this important text

EP 69 — Odysseus Takes the Long Way Home

The hero of the Odyssey and the Trojan War has to navigate treacherous waters and deities on his 10-year journey home. We join Odysseus for part of it. Meet Circe, the Si

EP 68 — A Shaman in Ancient Greece

A shaman suddenly appears in ancient Greece to proclaim that Pythagoras, the founder of philosophy, is divine. Behind the scenes, Apollo lurks. Listen as the Greeks are

EP 67: Strange & Obscure Tales (revised)

EP 67  — Strange & Obscure Tales Four tales in one episode, all little known. Each focuses on the relationship between gods and men. One may well reveal the origin of we

EP 66: Aphrodite & The Golden Apple

This episode looks at the infamous Judgment of Paris, which sounds like a French court decision, but was actually a beauty contest between Greek goddesses! Join Hera, Ath

EP 65: In Plain Sight

This episode looks in depth at the unexpected themes of Greek pottery and how gods and heroes are depicted. We also examine the strange effigies of the god Hermes. You’ll

EP 64: Artemis & the Ouija Board

Engaging one night with an old Ouija board, podcaster Patrick Garner conjures up the ancient goddess Artemis. Over the course of many hours, the goddess remembers Athena,

EP 63: Nyx, The Darkest Goddess

Nyx. the goddess of night, appeared before the Olympic gods, even before the Titans. Her progeny were almost all beings of terror and dread, and included Doom, Death, Sle

EP 62: When Zeus Came Knocking

 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 h

EP 61 — In Love's Crosshairs: Psyche & Eros

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 ti

EP 60: Thebes, The City That Gods & Heroes Forsook

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

EP 59: Artemis Redux

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 wa

EP 58: Pericles' Funeral Oration

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 thi

EP 57: How The Gods Began

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 thi

EP 56: Do This To Live A Good Life

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 go

EP 55: The Mysterious Goddess of Persuasion

In the politics of Athens' new democracy, one goddess reined supreme: Peitho. She was the unheralded goddess of persuasion. Her influence brought down the philosophe

EP 54: The Gods of Alexander the Great

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 mo

EP 53: The Doomed Love of Orpheus and Eurydice

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,