Mythology Explained

Christopher Nolan has repeatedly pointed toward one particular line from Emily Wilson’s translation of The Odyssey as an inspiration for his film: “Tell me about a complicated man.” It is a line intended to introduce Odysseus as a figure with many different sides—a warrior, liar, husband, survivor, manipulator and one of the most intelligent characters in Greek mythology. But now Emily Wilson has actually SEEN Christopher Nolan’s version of that character. And according to her…He isn’t particularly complicated at all. In a recent interview, Wilson described Nolan’s Odysseus as a “traumatized Jason Bourne”—an action hero who feels guilty about being an action hero. She criticized the removal of his intelligence, disguises, humour and many of the qualities that make him so memorable in Homer’s poem. She also argued that Penelope’s role had been reduced, that the movie failed to humanize many of the victims of Odysseus’s violence and that its moral messaging was ultimately incoherent. And since that interview, she has apparently become even harsher, describing the film’s writing as “abysmal” and saying... Topics Covered In This Video: Emily Wilson’s criticism of Christopher Nolan’s Odyssey Why Emily Wilson called the film’s writing “abysmal” Why Wilson said she would be ashamed to have written the script The translator who inspired Christopher Nolan’s version of Odysseus Emily Wilson’s “complicated man” translation explained Why Wilson described Matt Damon as a “traumatized Jason Bourne” How Nolan changed Odysseus from Homer’s original character Why Nolan’s Odysseus feels less intelligent and deceptive The removal of Odysseus’s humour, disguises, and trickery Why the “Nobody” trick was removed from the Cyclops scene Matt Damon as Odysseus explained Why Nolan focuses on Odysseus’s guilt and trauma Why Penelope’s role was reduced in Nolan’s adaptation Anne Hathaway as Penelope explained The importance of Penelope’s marriage-bed test Why Zeus and Poseidon were removed from the movie How Nolan changed Athena’s role in The Odyssey Zendaya as Athena explained Why Wilson believes the supporting characters feel like puppets How the film treats the victims of Odysseus’s violence Why Wilson called the movie’s moral messaging incoherent The film’s conflicting messages about war and violence What Christopher Nolan’s Odyssey gets right Why Wilson praised Nolan’s braided storytelling The stories-within-stories structure of Homer’s Odyssey The biggest problems with Nolan’s Odyssey The Odyssey casting controversy explained The lack of Greek actors in The Odyssey Why Greek representation matters in The Odyssey Why Nolan’s Odyssey may not feel authentically Greek Why Nolan may be modernizing The Odyssey too much The role of women in Homer’s Odyssey Emily Wilson’s Odyssey translation explained Why Emily Wilson’s translation is controversial Is Emily Wilson’s translation faithful to Homer? Is Nolan adapting Homer or reshaping Homer? Why Nolan’s Odyssey may look ancient but feel modern Has Nolan preserved the identity of Homer’s Odyssey? Questions Answered: What did Emily Wilson say about Christopher Nolan’s Odyssey? Did Emily Wilson call the film’s writing “abysmal”? Why did Wilson criticize Nolan’s screenplay? Did Emily Wilson’s translation inspire Christopher Nolan? What does “complicated man” mean in The Odyssey? Why did Wilson compare Matt Damon to Jason Bourne? How is Nolan’s Odysseus different from Homer’s? Why is Odysseus less cunning in Nolan’s movie? Why was the “Nobody” trick removed? Did Christopher Nolan simplify Odysseus? Why is Penelope so important in Homer’s poem? How did Nolan change Odysseus and Penelope’s relationship? Why are the Greek gods mostly absent from the movie? How did Nolan change Athena? Why did Wilson call the film’s message incoherent? Does Nolan’s movie condemn or glorify violence? What did Emily Wilson actually like about the film? Why did Wilson praise Nolan’s narrative structure? Is Christopher Nolan’s Odyssey faithful to Homer? Is Emily Wilson being too harsh on Nolan’s movie? Why does Nolan’s Odyssey not feel authentically Greek? Why does Greek representation matter in The Odyssey? Is Christopher Nolan modernizing Homer too much? Is Nolan adapting The Odyssey or rewriting it? Does the film work better as a Nolan movie than as Homer? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

So, I went to see The Odyssey. In spite of the countless dislikes on the movie’s trailers. In spite of some of the questionable casting choices. In spite of the almost complete lack of Greek representation in an adaptation of one of the most famous GREEK myths ever written. And in spite of the MULTIPLE videos made by me criticizing decisions the filmmakers had already revealed. But despite ALL of those things, I was never going to simply let the movie pass me by. I’m perfectly willing to make judgments based on the information available to me. But I’m also not going to draw a line in the sand and completely make up my mind about a movie I haven’t even seen yet. And now that I HAVE seen it… Topics Covered In This Video: Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey full movie review Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey spoiler-free review My honest reaction to Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey Was Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey actually good? What surprised me most about Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey The best and worst parts of Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey How the finished movie compares to the controversial trailers Was the backlash to The Odyssey trailer justified? Did Christopher Nolan prove the critics wrong? The biggest problems with Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey Why The Odyssey trailers received so much backlash The negative reaction to Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey explained Did the finished movie fix the problems shown in the trailers? Why Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey does not feel authentically Greek The lack of Greek actors in Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey Why Greek representation matters in The Odyssey The Odyssey casting controversy explained Why the cast feels like a Hollywood costume party Matt Damon as Odysseus explained Tom Holland, Zendaya, and Anne Hathaway in The Odyssey Travis Scott’s role in Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey The costumes, armour, sets, and visual effects in The Odyssey Lupita Nyong’o’s role in The Odyssey explained Why Helen of Troy’s casting became controversial What Helen of Troy looked like in Greek mythology How faithful Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey is to Homer Did Christopher Nolan modernize The Odyssey too much? Is Nolan adapting Homer or reshaping Homer? The role of women in Homer’s Odyssey Slavery, gender, power, and hierarchy in The Odyssey Why Nolan’s Odyssey may look ancient but feel modern Greek identity and the meaning of Odysseus’s homecoming Is Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey worth watching? My final verdict on Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey Questions Answered: Is Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey good? What is my honest review of Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey? Is Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey worth watching? Was I wrong about Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey? Did the movie live up to its trailers? Was the backlash to The Odyssey trailer justified? Did the finished movie fix the problems shown in the trailer? What are the best and worst parts of Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey? Why was Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey so controversial? Why does Nolan’s Odyssey not feel authentically Greek? Why does Greek representation matter in The Odyssey? Are there Greek actors in Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey? Why does the cast feel like a Hollywood crossover? Is Matt Damon convincing as Odysseus? Why is Travis Scott in Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey? Who is Lupita Nyong’o playing in The Odyssey? Why was Helen of Troy’s casting controversial? What did Helen of Troy look like in Greek mythology? How faithful is Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey to Homer? Did Christopher Nolan modernize The Odyssey too much? Is Nolan adapting Homer or rewriting Homer? How much of Homer’s worldview survives in the finished film? Why might Nolan’s Odyssey look ancient but feel modern? Did Christopher Nolan prove the critics wrong? What is the final verdict on Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I did it. I went to see The Odyssey. I won’t spoil anything here, and I’ve got a full review on the way, but before I release that, I want to talk about Circe—the witch from The Odyssey who transforms Odysseus’s men into pigs and eventually gives him the instructions he needs to reach the entrance to the Underworld. The movie also makes some pretty significant choices about who Circe is, what she represents, and how her encounter with Odysseus actually unfolds. And that inspired me to take a deep dive into some of her history, examining her origins and how the Circe we saw on screen differs from the Circe of Myth. Topics Covered In This Video: Who was Circe in Greek mythology? Circe’s role in Homer’s Odyssey explained The mythology of Circe in Christopher Nolan’s Odyssey How Christopher Nolan changed Circe’s story Why Circe was one of the darkest parts of The Odyssey Samantha Morton’s portrayal of Circe explained Was Circe a witch, goddess, or sorceress? Who were Circe’s parents in Greek mythology? Circe’s connection to Helios, Aeetes, and Pasiphae Where was Circe’s island of Aeaea? Circe’s enchanted wolves and lions explained Why Circe transformed Odysseus’s men into pigs The disturbing meaning behind the pig transformation How Nolan turned Circe’s magic into body horror Why Odysseus’s men retained their human minds as pigs How Odysseus defeated Circe in Homer’s Odyssey How Hermes and the magical herb moly protected Odysseus Why Christopher Nolan removed Hermes and moly The meaning of Circe’s crow in Christopher Nolan’s Odyssey Was Circe’s transformed sister in Homer’s original poem? Did Circe and Odysseus become lovers? Why Odysseus remained on Circe’s island for an entire year Why Nolan removed Circe and Odysseus’s relationship Why Circe sent Odysseus to the Underworld Who was the prophet Tiresias in The Odyssey? What Odysseus learned in the land of the dead Circe’s warning about the Sirens explained Why Odysseus tied himself to the mast Circe’s role in the creation of Scylla explained How Scylla became a monster in Greek mythology Christopher Nolan’s Odyssey explained The biggest changes Nolan made to Homer’s Odyssey How accurate is Christopher Nolan’s Odyssey? Christopher Nolan’s approach to Greek mythology Homer’s Odyssey compared with Nolan’s movie The journey of Odysseus after the Trojan War The Cyclops, Sirens, Scylla, and Charybdis explained The major gods, witches, and monsters in The Odyssey Why Nolan reduced the direct involvement of the Greek gods What Christopher Nolan’s Odyssey gets right about Circe Questions Answered: Who was Circe in The Odyssey? Was Circe a witch or a goddess? Who played Circe in Christopher Nolan’s Odyssey? Why did Circe turn Odysseus’s men into pigs? Did the men know they had been transformed into pigs? What did Circe mean when she said the men were already pigs? How did Nolan change Circe’s transformation spell? How did Odysseus resist Circe’s magic in Homer? What was the magical herb moly? Why are Hermes and moly absent from Nolan’s movie? Who was the crow in Christopher Nolan’s Odyssey? Did Circe really have a sister who became a crow? Did Circe and Odysseus have a relationship? How long did Odysseus remain with Circe? Why did Circe send Odysseus to the Underworld? Who was Tiresias, and what did he tell Odysseus? How did Circe help Odysseus survive the Sirens? Did Circe transform Scylla into a monster? How does Nolan’s Circe differ from Homer’s Circe? How accurate is Christopher Nolan’s version of Circe? What did Christopher Nolan change from Homer’s Odyssey? What happens during Odysseus’s journey home from Troy? Who are the main monsters in The Odyssey? Why does Nolan portray Greek magic as body horror? Was Circe the darkest part of Christopher Nolan’s Odyssey? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Christopher Nolan has made a movie with real ships, real oceans, one of the most expensive productions in history, and quite possibly the most recognizable cast ever assembled. And somehow, the most interesting thing about the trailer is how many people seem to hate it. Hey everyone, welcome to Mythology Explained. Over the last couple of months, I’ve made quite a few videos discussing Christopher Nolan’s upcoming adaptation of The Odyssey. But after the release of the latest countdown trailer, the reaction surrounding this movie has become far more negative than I think anyone expected. The comment section is filled with people mocking the casting, the costumes, the accents, and the general direction of the film. And if we consider how popular Nolan is in general, the fact that one of HIS trailers has generated this level of hostility is pretty significant. Interestingly, Nolan recently dismissed much of the pre-release criticism as essentially “irrelevant” (his words not mine) because no one criticizing the film has actually seen it yet. Topics Covered In This Video: Christopher Nolan’s final Odyssey trailer explained Why The Odyssey trailer is receiving backlash The biggest problems with Nolan’s Odyssey Why the final trailer made the controversy worse Could Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey underperform? The negative reaction to The Odyssey trailer The Odyssey trailer dislikes explained Why Nolan’s Odyssey does not feel authentically Greek The lack of Greek actors in The Odyssey Why Greek representation matters in The Odyssey The Odyssey casting controversy explained Why the cast feels like a Hollywood costume party Matt Damon as Odysseus explained Tom Holland, Zendaya, and Anne Hathaway in The Odyssey Travis Scott’s role in The Odyssey Why realistic sets cannot make The Odyssey feel authentic The costumes and armour in The Odyssey trailer Lupita Nyong’o as Helen of Troy explained Lupita Nyong’o as Clytemnestra explained Why Helen of Troy’s casting is controversial What Helen of Troy looked like in Greek mythology Why Nolan may be modernizing The Odyssey too much Is Christopher Nolan trying to correct Homer? The role of women in Homer’s Odyssey Emily Wilson’s Odyssey translation explained Why Emily Wilson’s translation is controversial Is Emily Wilson’s Odyssey faithful to Homer? Did Emily Wilson change Homer’s meaning? Slavery, gender, power, and hierarchy in The Odyssey Is Nolan adapting Homer or reshaping Homer? The danger of applying modern morality to ancient mythology Why Nolan’s Odyssey may look ancient but feel modern Greek identity and the meaning of Odysseus’s homecoming Has Nolan recreated The Odyssey without preserving its identity? Questions Answered: Why is Christopher Nolan’s final Odyssey trailer controversial? Why has The Odyssey trailer received such a negative reaction? What are audiences criticizing about Nolan’s Odyssey? Could Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey underperform? Why does Nolan’s Odyssey not feel Greek? Why does Greek representation matter in The Odyssey? Are there Greek actors in Nolan’s Odyssey? Why does the cast feel like a Hollywood crossover? Who is Matt Damon playing in The Odyssey? Why is Travis Scott in The Odyssey? Why is Lupita Nyong’o as Helen of Troy controversial? Is Lupita Nyong’o also playing Clytemnestra? What did Helen of Troy look like in Homer? Is Christopher Nolan modernizing The Odyssey too much? Is Nolan attempting to correct Homer for modern audiences? Why is Emily Wilson’s Odyssey translation controversial? Is Emily Wilson’s translation faithful to the original Greek? Did Emily Wilson change The Odyssey? Does Emily Wilson impose modern morality on Homer? Is Nolan adapting Homer or rewriting Homer? How much of Homer’s worldview will survive in the film? Why might Nolan’s Odyssey look ancient but feel modern? What is The Odyssey actually about? Why is Greek identity important to Odysseus’s homecoming? Has Nolan recreated the appearance of The Odyssey without preserving its identity? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey everyone, welcome to Mythology Explained. Over the last couple of months, I’ve made quite a few videos discussing Christopher Nolan’s upcoming adaptation of The Odyssey. I’ve talked about casting, the apparent lack of Greek representation in one of the most famous Greek stories ever written, Lupita Nyong’o playing Helen of Troy AND Clytemnestra, the rumours that Elliot Page might be playing Achilles, and more recently, I took a look at Emily Wilson’s translation of The Odyssey, which Christopher Nolan has mentioned on multiple occasions. And now the FINAL trailer has officially dropped. Here are my thoughts. Topics Covered In This Video: Christopher Nolan’s final Odyssey trailer explained Why The Odyssey trailer is receiving backlash The biggest problems with Nolan’s Odyssey Why the final trailer made the controversy worse Could Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey underperform? The negative reaction to The Odyssey trailer The Odyssey trailer dislikes explained Why Nolan’s Odyssey does not feel authentically Greek The lack of Greek actors in The Odyssey Why Greek representation matters in The Odyssey The Odyssey casting controversy explained Why the cast feels like a Hollywood costume party Matt Damon as Odysseus explained Tom Holland, Zendaya, and Anne Hathaway in The Odyssey Travis Scott’s role in The Odyssey Why realistic sets cannot make The Odyssey feel authentic The costumes and armour in The Odyssey trailer Lupita Nyong’o as Helen of Troy explained Lupita Nyong’o as Clytemnestra explained Why Helen of Troy’s casting is controversial What Helen of Troy looked like in Greek mythology Why Nolan may be modernizing The Odyssey too much Is Christopher Nolan trying to correct Homer? The role of women in Homer’s Odyssey Emily Wilson’s Odyssey translation explained Why Emily Wilson’s translation is controversial Is Emily Wilson’s Odyssey faithful to Homer? Did Emily Wilson change Homer’s meaning? Slavery, gender, power, and hierarchy in The Odyssey Is Nolan adapting Homer or reshaping Homer? The danger of applying modern morality to ancient mythology Why Nolan’s Odyssey may look ancient but feel modern Greek identity and the meaning of Odysseus’s homecoming Has Nolan recreated The Odyssey without preserving its identity? Questions Answered: Why is Christopher Nolan’s final Odyssey trailer controversial? Why has The Odyssey trailer received such a negative reaction? What are audiences criticizing about Nolan’s Odyssey? Could Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey underperform? Why does Nolan’s Odyssey not feel Greek? Why does Greek representation matter in The Odyssey? Are there Greek actors in Nolan’s Odyssey? Why does the cast feel like a Hollywood crossover? Who is Matt Damon playing in The Odyssey? Why is Travis Scott in The Odyssey? Why is Lupita Nyong’o as Helen of Troy controversial? Is Lupita Nyong’o also playing Clytemnestra? What did Helen of Troy look like in Homer? Is Christopher Nolan modernizing The Odyssey too much? Is Nolan attempting to correct Homer for modern audiences? Why is Emily Wilson’s Odyssey translation controversial? Is Emily Wilson’s translation faithful to the original Greek? Did Emily Wilson change The Odyssey? Does Emily Wilson impose modern morality on Homer? Is Nolan adapting Homer or rewriting Homer? How much of Homer’s worldview will survive in the film? Why might Nolan’s Odyssey look ancient but feel modern? What is The Odyssey actually about? Why is Greek identity important to Odysseus’s homecoming? Has Nolan recreated the appearance of The Odyssey without preserving its identity? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A little while ago, I made a video discussing one of the strangest rumours surrounding Christopher Nolan’s upcoming Odyssey movie: the idea that Elliot Page might be playing Achilles. The reason of course that rumour generated so much discussion is pretty obvious… Achilles is arguably the most famous warrior in all of Greek mythology, the central figure of the Iliad, the son of a goddess, the greatest fighter among the Achaeans, and a character who has been visually and symbolically defined for nearly three thousand years. So when people started speculating that PAGE might be playing Achilles, the internet immediately started arguing about whether that casting made any sense (spoiler: it didn’t), what Achilles was actually supposed to represent, and how closely modern adaptations should stay to the mythological image of these ancient characters. Anyway..We've got an update. Topics Covered In This Video: Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey movie explained Christopher Nolan’s Odyssey controversy update Nolan’s Odyssey casting controversy explained Elliot Page in The Odyssey explained Is Elliot Page playing Achilles in The Odyssey? Elliot Page as Achilles rumours explained Why Elliot Page as Achilles became controversial Elliot Page as Sinon rumours explained Is Elliot Page playing Sinon in Nolan’s Odyssey? The Odyssey role leak explained The reported Elliot Page Sinon casting leak Why the Achilles casting rumours may have been wrong Why Elliot Page may not be playing Achilles Who is Sinon in Greek mythology? Sinon and the Trojan Horse explained Sinon in Virgil’s Aeneid explained Why Sinon is not originally from Homer’s Odyssey The difference between Homer’s Odyssey and Virgil’s Aeneid The Trojan Horse in Homer’s Odyssey explained Odysseus and the wooden horse explained How Odysseus helped bring down Troy Why Odysseus is known for cunning and deception The fall of Troy explained The Trojan War backstory in The Odyssey Why Nolan may be using more than just Homer’s Odyssey How The Odyssey connects to the Trojan War Why The Odyssey is haunted by Troy Achilles in Homer’s Iliad explained What Achilles was supposed to represent in Greek mythology Why Achilles was the ideal Greek warrior Why Achilles casting matters in The Odyssey Greek mythology accuracy in Nolan’s Odyssey Greek mythology and cultural authenticity in film Why Greek myths should still feel Greek The problem with Hollywood’s version of ancient Greece Christopher Nolan’s approach to ancient Greek myth Ancient Greek mythology analysis and lore breakdown Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey explained The Aeneid and the Trojan Horse story explained Whether Nolan’s Odyssey is adapting Homer faithfully Why Nolan’s Odyssey may be broader than Homer’s poem Questions Answered: Is Elliot Page really playing Achilles in The Odyssey? Is Elliot Page playing Sinon instead of Achilles? Was the Elliot Page Achilles rumour wrong? Who is Elliot Page playing in Nolan’s Odyssey? Has Elliot Page’s Odyssey role been confirmed? What is the reported Elliot Page role leak? Who is Sinon in Greek mythology? What did Sinon do in the Trojan War? Was Sinon in Homer’s Odyssey? Is Sinon from The Odyssey or The Aeneid? What is Sinon’s role in the Trojan Horse story? How did Sinon trick the Trojans? Why did the Trojans bring the wooden horse into Troy? What does Homer say about the Trojan Horse? What does Virgil’s Aeneid say about Sinon? Why does Sinon matter in Nolan’s Odyssey? Why would Christopher Nolan include Sinon in The Odyssey? Is Nolan adapting more than just Homer’s Odyssey? Will Nolan’s Odyssey show the fall of Troy? Will Nolan’s Odyssey include Trojan War flashbacks? Why is the Trojan Horse important to Odysseus? How did Odysseus use deception to defeat Troy? Why is Odysseus known as a trickster? Why is The Odyssey connected to the Trojan War? Why does Troy still matter in The Odyssey? Why was Elliot Page as Achilles controversial? What did Achilles look like in Greek mythology? Why was Achilles considered the greatest Greek warrior? Why does Achilles’ image matter in Greek myth? Does the Sinon report change the casting controversy? Does Elliot Page as Sinon make more sense than Achilles? What does this update reveal about Nolan’s Odyssey? Is Christopher Nolan’s Odyssey faithful to Greek mythology? Why is Nolan’s Odyssey already dividing fans? Why does casting matter in mythological adaptations? Can Greek mythology be reinterpreted while staying true to Homer? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we’re going to be talking about Christopher Nolan’s upcoming adaptation of The Odyssey…But not in the way that I’ve already talked about it. In some of my previous videos on the topic, I covered some of the major controversies surrounding the film. In particular, the casting, where I highlighted the apparent lack of Greek presence in a film adapting one of the most important Greek stories ever written. I also touched on the rumours surrounding Elliott Page and Achilles, AND I’ve talked about how strange it feels to adapt a story so deeply concerned with homecoming, identity, ancestry, and cultural belonging while seemingly treating Greekness as something that can mostly be supplied by sets, costumes, ships, and scenery. But over the last few days, I’ve noticed a different controversy starting to take shape around Nolan’s Odyssey…One that’s even more complicated. Because this time, the argument is not just about who is playing Odysseus, or Helen, or Achilles, it’s about which version of The Odyssey modern audiences should be given. Topics Covered In This Video: Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey movie explained The biggest problem with Nolan’s Odyssey Why Greeks are upset about Christopher Nolan’s Odyssey Christopher Nolan’s Odyssey controversy explained Why Nolan’s Odyssey is already dividing fans The Odyssey casting controversy explained Why Greek representation matters in The Odyssey The lack of Greek actors in Christopher Nolan’s Odyssey Why Greek myths should still feel Greek The cultural importance of Homer’s Odyssey Odysseus, Ithaca, and the meaning of homecoming Why The Odyssey is more than just a fantasy adventure Greek mythology and cultural authenticity in film The problem with Hollywood’s version of ancient Greece Why Greek mythology is not just generic fantasy The difference between reinterpretation and cultural erasure Christopher Nolan’s approach to ancient Greek myth Whether Nolan’s Odyssey feels authentically Greek Ancient Greek mythology analysis and lore breakdown Matt Damon as Odysseus explained Zendaya as Athena casting discussion Elliott Page as Achilles rumours explained Why Elliott Page as Achilles became controversial What Achilles was supposed to look like in Greek mythology Achilles in Homer’s Iliad explained Why Achilles was the ideal Greek warrior The controversy around Lupita Nyong’o as Helen of Troy The Black Helen of Troy casting debate explained What Helen of Troy looked like in Greek mythology Why Helen of Troy’s casting has divided fans Emily Wilson’s Odyssey translation explained Why Emily Wilson’s Odyssey translation is controversial Is Emily Wilson’s Odyssey a faithful translation? Did Emily Wilson change Homer’s Odyssey? Why Nolan using Emily Wilson’s translation matters The difference between translation and adaptation How translations change the meaning of The Odyssey Robert Fagles vs Emily Wilson’s Odyssey translation Is Emily Wilson’s Odyssey a feminist translation? Does modern politics belong in translating ancient texts? Questions Answered: What is the biggest problem with Christopher Nolan’s Odyssey? Why is Nolan’s Odyssey controversial? Why are Greeks upset about The Odyssey casting? Are there Greek actors in Nolan’s Odyssey? Does Greek representation matter in Greek mythology? Should Greek actors play Greek mythological characters? Why does Greek mythology still feel culturally connected to Greece? Does Christopher Nolan’s Odyssey feel authentically Greek? Can Greek mythology be universal and still remain Greek? Why does casting matter in mythological adaptations? Is Nolan’s Odyssey already controversial? Why is Elliott Page as Achilles controversial? Is Elliott Page really playing Achilles in The Odyssey? What did Achilles look like in Greek mythology? Why was Achilles considered the perfect Greek warrior? Why is Lupita Nyong’o as Helen of Troy controversial? Could Helen of Troy be portrayed as Black? What did Helen of Troy actually look like in Homer? What is The Odyssey actually about? Why is The Odyssey culturally important? What does The Odyssey say about homecoming and identity? Is The Odyssey just a fantasy story? Is Christopher Nolan using Emily Wilson’s Odyssey translation? Why does Emily Wilson’s Odyssey translation matter? Is Emily Wilson’s Odyssey translation faithful to Homer? Did Emily Wilson change The Odyssey? Is Emily Wilson’s Odyssey a woke translation? Does Emily Wilson take too many creative liberties? What did Emily Wilson do differently in her Odyssey translation? Can any translation of Homer be truly neutral? Is Nolan’s Odyssey translating Homer into modern blockbuster language? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey everyone, welcome to Mythology Explained. Today we’re going to be talking about Christopher Nolan’s upcoming adaptation of The Odyssey. Now, ever since the trailer first dropped, the film has been making headlines for its questionable casting decisions. And when I touched on these things in my OWN videos, one of the things that I noticed right away was the GREEK response. That is, how ACTUAL greek people feel about it. Sounds important, right? Topics Covered In This Video: Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey movie explained The biggest problem with Nolan’s Odyssey Why Greeks are upset about Christopher Nolan’s Odyssey The Odyssey casting controversy explained Why Greek representation matters in The Odyssey The lack of Greek actors in Christopher Nolan’s Odyssey Elliott Page as Achilles rumours explained Why Elliott Page as Achilles became controversial What Achilles was supposed to look like in Greek mythology Achilles in Homer’s Iliad explained Why Achilles was the ideal Greek warrior The controversy around Lupita Nyong’o as Helen of Troy The Black Helen of Troy casting debate explained What Helen of Troy looked like in Greek mythology Why Helen of Troy’s casting has divided fans Matt Damon as Odysseus explained Zendaya as Athena casting discussion How Hollywood adapts Greek mythology Why Greek myths should still feel Greek The cultural importance of Homer’s Odyssey Odysseus, Ithaca, and the meaning of homecoming Why The Odyssey is more than just a fantasy adventure Greek mythology and cultural authenticity in film How casting affects mythological world-building The problem with Hollywood’s version of ancient Greece Why Greek mythology is not just generic fantasy The difference between reinterpretation and cultural erasure Christopher Nolan’s approach to ancient Greek myth The role of Greek identity in Homer’s Odyssey Greek mythology representation in modern movies Whether Nolan’s Odyssey feels authentically Greek Ancient Greek mythology analysis and lore breakdown Questions Answered: What is the biggest problem with Christopher Nolan’s Odyssey? Are there Greek actors in Nolan’s Odyssey? Why are Greeks upset about The Odyssey casting? Why is Elliott Page as Achilles controversial? Is Elliott Page really playing Achilles in The Odyssey? What did Achilles look like in Greek mythology? Why was Achilles considered the perfect Greek warrior? Why is Lupita Nyong’o as Helen of Troy controversial? Could Helen of Troy be portrayed as Black? What did Helen of Troy actually look like in Homer? Does Greek representation matter in Greek mythology? Should Greek actors play Greek mythological characters? Why is The Odyssey culturally important? What does The Odyssey say about homecoming and identity? Is The Odyssey just a fantasy story? Why does Greek mythology still feel culturally connected to Greece? Has Hollywood ignored Greek actors in mythology films? Does Christopher Nolan’s Odyssey feel authentically Greek? Can Greek mythology be universal and still remain Greek? Why does casting matter in mythological adaptations? Is Nolan’s Odyssey already controversial? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey everyone, welcome to Mythology Explained. In today’s video, we’re going to discuss the REAL wives of Satan: the demon queens, seductresses, and female spirits who, according to ancient Jewish mysticism and medieval demonology, stood beside the rulers of Hell itself. Because while most people have heard of Lilith, very few realize she was only ONE of several infernal feminine entities associated with Samael — a figure often equated with Satan. And together, these entities formed something resembling a dark mirror of heaven itself: queens, consorts, angels of prostitution, mothers of demons, and spirits associated with temptation, death, lust, and chaos. Topics Covered In This Video: Lilith explained in Jewish mythology and demonology The origin of Lilith as Adam’s first wife How Lilith became the Queen of Hell The 4 demon queens said to rule beside Satan Samael explained in Jewish mysticism and Kabbalah The relationship between Lilith and Samael The demon queens of the Zohar explained Agrat bat Mahlaht explained Naamah explained Eisheth Zenunim explained The “Angels of Prostitution” in Jewish mysticism The mythology behind the wives of Satan Ancient beliefs surrounding demons, lust, and temptation Why Lilith was feared throughout history The connection between Lilith and sleep paralysis myths Jewish demonology explained Kabbalah and occult mythology explored The infernal hierarchy of Hell explained The mythology of female demons and seductive spirits How ancient cultures explained illness, death, and nightmares The origins of the Queen of Hell myth Mythology analysis and lore breakdown Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Before there were gods, before there were Titans, before even the earth or sky — there was only silence. An endless, gaping expanse. The Greeks called it Chaos: not disorder, but the raw void out of which reality itself would be born. Chaos wasn’t a god in the way we imagine Zeus or Poseidon, but rather the very first principle of existence — the source from which everything else emerged: earth, sky, gods, monsters, even fate itself. Yet Chaos was not always imagined the same way. Some traditions describe it as the offspring of Chronos, Time itself — not to be confused with Cronus, the Titan king. Others saw Chaos as a shapeless mass of matter and energy, waiting to be molded into the universe. And in yet another version, Chaos was thought of as the lower layer of air surrounding the earth, lying beneath the bright upper sky called Aether. Today, we’re going to be addressing all of these different accounts, and more, as we unpack Chaos: the FIRST Primordial Deity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey everyone, welcome to Mythology Explained. In today's video we are going to discuss the darkest moment in Hercules’ life, when he murdered his own family — killing his wife and three sons. We’re going to begin with some key moments from his early life, then transition to two distinct versions of his kin-killing madness, and finally wrap up with the final tragedy of his life — one that would see him ascend from the funeral pyre to become the only hero in all of Greek mythology to reach the lofty peak of Olympus and become a god, joining the Greek pantheon and finally burying the hatchet with Hera, who had done everything in her power thus far to make his life a living hell. Let’s get into it. Topics Covered In This Video: The tragic story of Hercules murdering his own wife and children Why Hera spent Hercules’ entire life trying to destroy him The birth of Hercules and Zeus’ affair with Alcmene How baby Hercules killed two serpents sent by Hera Hercules’ violent temper and the death of his music teacher The brutal punishment Hercules inflicted on the Minyan heralds Why Hercules cut off ears, noses, and hands in Greek mythology The war between Thebes and the Minyans explained Hercules’ marriage to Megara and the family he lost How Hera drove Hercules into madness The version of Hercules’ family murders told by Apollodorus The version of Hercules’ family murders told by Euripides Why the Twelve Labors were imposed on Hercules How the original Ten Labors became Twelve The myth of Cerberus and Hercules’ journey to the Underworld The story of Lycus and the attempted execution of Hercules’ family Why Hercules wanted to take his own life How Theseus saved Hercules after his greatest tragedy The friendship between Theseus and Hercules explained The myth of Nessus and the poisoned robe How Hercules ultimately died in Greek mythology Why Hercules built his own funeral pyre How Hercules became the only Greek hero to ascend to Olympus The reconciliation between Hercules and Hera The marriage of Hercules and Hebe Ancient Greek views on madness, guilt, and atonement Greek hero culture explained The darker side of Greek mythology Greek mythology analysis and lore breakdown Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey everyone, welcome to Mythology Explained. Ever since rumours started circulating that Elliott Page may be playing Achilles in Christopher Nolan’s Odyssey, the internet has been arguing about one question over and over again: what was Achilles ACTUALLY supposed to look like? And unlike some of the recent discussions surrounding Helen of Troy, this one is a little more grounded in the actual source material. Because while Homer is surprisingly vague about Helen’s precise appearance, he is FAR less vague about Achilles. In fact, Achilles is probably one of the most visually and symbolically defined characters in all of Greek mythology. Homer spends massive portions of the Iliad building up not just his strength, but his presence, his emotional intensity, and the almost supernatural effect he has on the people around him. Now, before we go any further, it’s worth pointing out that this casting still hasn’t actually been fully confirmed. Right now, a lot of this discussion is based on rumours, fan speculation, and online reports. And while Achilles is the name that’s generated the most discussion online, there are also reports suggesting Page may instead be playing Elpenor — one of Odysseus’ younger crew members from The Odyssey. But even though this conversation is still speculative, because Achilles is such an iconic and visually defined figure in Greek mythology, the rumour alone has already sparked a massive debate online about what Achilles was actually supposed to look like in the first place. Topics Covered In This Video: The rumored Achilles casting in Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey Why fans are debating Elliott Page as Achilles What Homer and The Iliad actually say about Achilles How ancient Greeks idealized heroic male warriors Why Greek statues almost always depict muscular physiques Ancient Greek beauty standards and masculinity How Achilles compares to other Greek heroes physically The difference between modern casting choices and mythological radition Why Achilles’ appearance mattered in ancient Greek storytelling How Hollywood reinterprets classical mythology Whether Nolan’s version of Achilles reflects ancient Greek ideals The cultural and symbolic role of physical perfection in Greek mythology Why Achilles became one of the most legendary warriors in Greek myth Ancient Greek warrior culture explained The mythology behind Achilles’ reputation and legacy The Odyssey casting controversy explained Greek mythology analysis and lore breakdown Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey everyone, welcome back to Mythology Explained. In the last video of this style, we explored some absolute titans of terror in Greek myth: Typhon, the hundred-handed Hecatoncheires, the war-born Giants, the petrifying Medusa, and the mighty Cyclopes whose craftsmanship armed the gods themselves. Those creatures shaped the very balance of power between gods and Titans, between order and the primordial chaos of the earth. But the truth is.. Greek mythology didn’t stop inventing nightmares after the first cosmic wars were won. Beyond those famous five, there are other monsters — some born of divine spite, some older than the Olympians themselves — whose power forced gods to strategize, heroes to innovate, and, in some cases, Olympus to tread very carefully. Today, we’re diving into five more of the most formidable monsters in all of Greek mythology — beings so dangerous that they changed the course of wars, made even the gods hesitate, and left scars on the mythic world long after their deaths. Let’s get into it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Since Christopher Nolan’s Odyssey trailer dropped a couple of weeks ago, the discussion around the film has only gotten louder…In a lot of different ways. This is one of the most famous stories in the ancient world being adapted by one of the biggest directors alive, so naturally, people are going to pick apart every frame, every costume, every casting choice, and every creative decision. And one of the biggest talking points now is no longer just rumour or speculation: Lupita Nyong’o has been confirmed as Helen of Troy — and, apparently, also Clytemnestra, the wife of Agamemnon and sister of Helen herself. In Greek mythology, Clytemnestra is one of the most infamous and tragic figures in the entire Trojan War cycle, SPOILER COMING HERE..Do I need to do that for stories from 700 BCE?- ultimately murdering Agamemnon after his return from Troy in revenge for the sacrifice of their daughter, Iphigenia. So today I want to dig into that a little bit more. Not in the lazy “everything must look exactly how I personally imagined it” sense, but in the broader question of adaptation, mythology, and what it actually means for a Greek myth to still feel Greek. Starting with the source material— Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If God is all-powerful, why does Satan still exist? If there’s one thing that’s abundantly clear from the bible, it’s that it’s entirely uncompromising about God’s authority. In Isaiah 45, during a passage declaring His rule over kings and nations, God even says: “I am the Lord, and there is no other.” But if no power rivals God,and no being can truly challenge His sovereignty, then I can’t help but wonder why has Satan been allowed to continue at all? Today we’re going to be tackling the age old question of why God doesn’t just KILL satan (if that’s even possilbe). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Out of the void came the first truly tangible being: Gaia- the Earth itself, alive and fertile, the ground beneath every myth. To the ancient Greeks, Gaia was not merely soil and stone; she was the very foundation of reality, the ever-enduring mother of gods and monsters alike. She nourished, protected, and gave life — but she also schemed, rebelled, and unleashed creatures that nearly ended Olympus before it began. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we'll be taking a closer look at the terrifying Laestrygonians from Homer’s Odyssey — the giant cannibals briefly teased in The Odyssey trailer. Who were these creatures in Greek mythology? Why were they so feared? And how accurate are modern adaptations to the original myth? Questions explored in this video: What are the giant cannibals in The Odyssey? Who were the Laestrygonians in Greek mythology? What happened when Odysseus encountered the Laestrygonians? Did the Laestrygonians really eat humans? Are the giants in The Odyssey trailer Laestrygonians? How many ships did Odysseus lose to the Laestrygonians? What monsters appear in Homer’s Odyssey? What is the mythology behind The Odyssey trailer? What is the difference between Cyclopes and Laestrygonians? How accurate is The Odyssey trailer to Greek mythology? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey everyone, Welcome back to Mythology Explained. Just the other day I got a chance to see Hokum in theatres, a new horror release with some rave reviews that honestly scared the **** out of me. I went in completely blind- no trailer- having only seen scores on rotten tomatoes and imdb, and I’ve gotta say- it was pretty decent. And as far as being effective as a ‘scary’ horror movie- no complaints there either. And although I enjoyed it, I found myself on multiple occasions looking past the scares themselves and focusing on the folklore and symbolism the film was pulling from. Having a Mythology channel, I couldn’t help but think about the Irish mythology and folklore that inspired it. The rabbits, the hallucinations, the strange sense of crossing into another reality, the witch, the idea of being watched by the environment itself—it all feels rooted in much older Celtic ideas about the supernatural and the Otherworld. And the more I thought about it afterward, the more I realized that a lot of what makes the movie feel so unnerving probably comes from the fact that it’s drawing on fears and symbols that have existed in folklore for centuries. Questions answered in this video: What mythology inspired Hokum? Is the witch in Hokum based on real Irish folklore? What is Jack the Donkey in Hokum? What does the ending of Hokum mean? Is Hokum based on Celtic mythology? What is the folklore behind the Banshee in Hokum? What do the rabbit symbols in Hokum mean? Was Ohm hallucinating in Hokum? What inspired Damian McCarthy’s Hokum? What hidden mythology is inside Hokum? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey everyone, welcome to Mythology Explained. In today’s video, we’re going to discuss the three daughters of Zeus whose power, influence, and terrifying potential made them some of the most formidable beings in all of Greek mythology. I’ve already done a video on his 3 most powerful SONS so watch that one next if you haven’t already. Though Zeus fathered countless children, not all of them were merely princes and princesses of Olympus, figures of luxury basking in divine privilege. Some were forces unto themselves, beings whose presence could alter wars, break minds or make even immortals tread carefully. And unlike many of Zeus’s sons, whose greatness was often measured in physical might, conquest, or heroic feats, these daughters wielded something subtler and in many ways more dangerous: wisdom, strategy, dominion, and supernatural influence over the deepest parts of mortal and divine life. First, we’re going to go over how power worked differently among the daughters of Zeus, and then we’re going to examine the three who stood above the rest: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The ancient winged goddess stands as one of the most powerful yet overlooked figures in Greek mythology. Today, we'll be exploring her forgotten origins, her close connection to Zeus, why she was so revered by warriors and athletes, and the hidden meaning behind her iconic wings and laurel wreath. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most people have a very clear image in their head of what Jesus looked like. It’s an image we’ve seen thousands of times — in churches, paintings, films, and illustrations. But here’s the catch... The Bible never actually describes his appearance. Which begs the question: Where did the familiar image of Jesus that’s widespread today actually come from? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For millennia, mankind has worshipped gods — beings of power, wisdom, and immortality. We’ve prayed to them, feared them, and shaped our civilizations around their stories. But in every culture, there comes a moment when man looks up at the heavens and dares to ask: Why not me? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There are many punishments in Greek mythology…But few are as chilling — or as deserved — as the one from this particular myth. In this tale - A king, beloved by the gods, was granted a seat at their table. He had their trust. Their favor. Their ear. But then… he did the unthinkable: he betrayed them. In this story, the actions of this man were so twisted, so vile, that even the Olympians were horrified. And for his crimes, he was given perhaps one of the greatest and most creative punishments inflicted on any being in Greek Mythology- eventually becoming a symbol of eternal punishment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey everyone, welcome back to Mythology Explained. Today we’re going to be discussing HELL, taking a particular focus on some of the things you probably didn’t know about it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For as long as we’ve walked the earth, humans have looked up at the night sky and wondered:  Where did all this come from?  The stars, the earth, the strange spark of life — and our own ability to even ask the question. Some say it’s all coincidence.  That the universe emerged by chance — no plan, no purpose.  Others argue that such order, beauty, and consciousness can’t possibly be accidental — that something greater must lie behind it. As the philosopher Aristotle once wrote,  “The first philosophy is the search for causes and principles.” Across centuries, thinkers from every culture — from Greek philosophers to modern physicists — have wrestled with the same question:  is there evidence, rational evidence, that gods — or something like them — could exist? Today, we’re going to explore five of the most compelling arguments ever made for the existence of the divine. Not through faith or myth, but through reason — through what the world itself seems to suggest. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, we’re talking about Zeus — the thunder-wielding ruler of Olympus and so-called king of the gods. To most, he’s the ultimate symbol of divine power. But the truth is, his reign was built on borrowed fire. And I think that without it, the so-called king of the gods might’ve been nothing more than another name lost to myth. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Mythology Explained. Today, we’re going to be discussing the Greek God Priapus. Before we dive into this I feel as though the elephant in the room needs to be addressed - or rather the anaconda in the room. Yes, that second one seems most appropriate. You would think that, applying your contemporary prism to the issue, that Priapus, being the well-endowed god that he was, probably did pretty well with the ladies. But you see, his massive organ wasn’t a genetic gift. Rather, it was but one symptom of a very permanent and very encompassing curse. Yes, his appearance was overflowing with more virility than a stampede of marauding centaurs. But when it came to it, he became, shall we say, deflated. He was cursed with Impotence.  His exaggerated physical form wasn’t a blessing — it was part of a cruel curse. Though he appeared to embody vitality, the irony was that he could never actually fulfill it. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey everyone, welcome back to Mythology Explained. In the last video of this style, we explored some absolute titans of terror in Greek myth: Typhon, the hundred-handed Hecatoncheires, the war-born Giants, the petrifying Medusa, and the mighty Cyclopes whose craftsmanship armed the gods themselves. Those creatures shaped the very balance of power between gods and Titans, between order and the primordial chaos of the earth. But the truth is.. Greek mythology didn’t stop inventing nightmares after the first cosmic wars were won. Beyond those famous five, there are other monsters — some born of divine spite, some older than the Olympians themselves — whose power forced gods to strategize, heroes to innovate, and, in some cases, Olympus to tread very carefully.  Today, we’re diving into five more of the most formidable monsters in all of Greek mythology — beings so dangerous that they changed the course of wars, made even the gods hesitate, and left scars on the mythic world long after their deaths. Let’s get into it. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Out of the void came the first truly tangible being: Gaia- the Earth itself, alive and fertile, the ground beneath every myth. To the ancient Greeks, Gaia was not merely soil and stone; she was the very foundation of reality, the ever-enduring mother of gods and monsters alike. She nourished, protected, and gave life — but she also schemed, rebelled, and unleashed creatures that nearly ended Olympus before it began. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Before there were gods, before there were Titans, before even the earth or sky — there was only silence. An endless, gaping expanse.  The Greeks called it Chaos: not disorder, but the raw void out of which reality itself would be born. Chaos wasn’t a god in the way we imagine Zeus or Poseidon, but rather the very first principle of existence — the source from which everything else emerged: earth, sky, gods, monsters, even fate itself. Yet Chaos was not always imagined the same way. Some traditions describe it as the offspring of Chronos, Time itself — not to be confused with Cronus, the Titan king. Others saw Chaos as a shapeless mass of matter and energy, waiting to be molded into the universe. And in yet another version, Chaos was thought of as the lower layer of air surrounding the earth, lying beneath the bright upper sky called Aether. Today, we’re going to be addressing all of these different accounts, and more, as we unpack Chaos: the FIRST Primordial Deity. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When it comes to the Bible, the roles of its central figures seem obvious. God is the creator, the sustainer, the giver of life, and Satan… He’s the deceiver, the destroyer, & the murderer of mankind.  Given that Satan is called a ‘murderer from the beginning’ in John 8:44, you’d probably assume that he’s the one responsible for claiming more lives. But what if I told you that the text itself paints a very different picture? Because when we look past assumptions and actually count the deaths, the numbers tell a shocking story. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For millennia, mankind has worshipped gods — beings of power, wisdom, and immortality. We’ve prayed to them, feared them, and shaped our civilizations around their stories. But in every culture, there comes a moment when man looks up at the heavens and dares to ask: Why not me?  So today, we’re diving into the myths and legends of different religions and cultures to confront one of humanity’s oldest—and most dangerous—questions: What happens when man tries to become god? Let’s dive in to it. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most people today believe that ‘Lucifer’ and ‘Satan’ are one and the same- with both names representing the complete and total archetype of evil. In fact, this misconception runs so deep that the names are regularly used interchangeably in books, movies, and even sermons. But what if I told you that this is actually…Wrong information? Because in truth, the Bible itself never explicitly identifies Lucifer with Satan. That connection only came later, through centuries of interpretation, translation, and literature. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Where do we go when we die? It’s one of humanity’s oldest questions. Across nearly every culture, every religion, and every age of human history, people have looked to the sky and wondered: What lies beyond this life? And almost universally, civilizations have imagined an idyllic realm of peace and perfection—an eternal paradise. This vision echoes through many of the world’s predominant religions, where Heaven is described as the ultimate reward, the place where suffering ends and harmony begins. But not every depiction of Heaven is the paradise you might expect. In fact, in some traditions, Heaven isn’t endless peace at all—it’s strange, unsettling, and even exhausting.  Today we’re going to be diving into the world’s visions of the afterlife- taking a closer look at how different cultures, religions and mythologies perceive life after death. Let’s dive in to it. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey everyone, welcome to Mythology Explained. Today’s video is the start of a new series where I’ll be reading classic retellings of Greek myths by respected authors from over a century ago. These stories come straight from the public domain, and the goal here is to give you something you can listen to while winding down, studying, or just getting lost in the world of ancient Greece. The following is an excerpt from Myths and Legends Of Ancient Greece and Rome by E.M. Berens, published in 1880. If you’d like to read the full text, please check out the link in the pinned comment. https://www.gutenberg.org/files/22381/22381-h/22381-h.htm See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Long before the Olympians ruled from their thrones on Mount Olympus, the cosmos was shaped by older forces — vast, silent, and unknowable. These were the Primordial Deities or Protogenoi: the first powers of existence, embodying fundamental aspects of reality itself. And out of the first void came something deeper than shadow. A presence, not just of absence, but of power. She wasn’t the goddess of one place or domain. She didn’t rule the sea or the sky. She simply was — there before the stars, before time, before anything had a name. Even Zeus, king of the gods, knew better than to cross her. Because this wasn’t just nightfall. It was Night itself. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’ve all seen them. Greek Statues.  Huge slabs of muscle, perfect proportions, nearly 0 bodyfat to speak of, and a casual reminder that we’re not QUITE in the shape that we thought we were. An idealistic version of the human form — chiseled from marble, frozen in time, that still somehow judges us centuries later. In modern bodybuilding, the physiques seen in Greek statues are often the end goal — the ultimate Grecian ideal: to look like a “Greek god” or a “Greek statue.” But I’ve often wondered..Why? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When people think of the Underworld, they think of Hades — the god draped in shadow, brother to Zeus and ruler of the dead, his realm carved from silence and sealed away from Olympus. But the truth is… he wasn’t the first. Because long before Olympus rose… before the Titans fell… before even light existed… there was something else. A presence. A force. A god. But this ‘being’ didn’t rule with a scepter or a crown… or sit on a throne. It simply was.  A suffocating darkness so complete… that even the gods feared it. And while time has tried to erase it from memory — buried beneath the myths of younger, more palatable deities — its shadow still lingers. This… is the story of the one who ruled before Hades. The one who gave birth to death, to night, to fate itself… The one who was the darkness. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There are many punishments in Greek mythology…But few are as chilling — or as deserved — as the one from this particular myth. In this tale - A king, beloved by the gods, was granted a seat at their table. He had their trust. Their favor. Their ear. But then… he did the unthinkable: he betrayed them. In this story, the actions of this man were so twisted, so vile, that even the Olympians were horrified. And for his crimes, he was given perhaps one of the greatest and most creative punishments inflicted on any being in Greek Mythology- eventually becoming a symbol of eternal punishment. But what exactly did he do? Why did a man so privileged risk everything? And what became of the gods who once welcomed him as their guest? Today, we uncover the truth behind one of the most disturbing myths in the ancient world. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When most people think of powerful Greek gods, one name tends to rise above the rest: Zeus. King of Olympus. Wielder of lightning. Slayer of Titans. The ultimate divine authority. Or… so we’re told. But the truth is — Zeus isn’t all that he was chalked up to be. Sure, he was powerful. Charismatic. But the most powerful god in Greek mythology? Not even close. He could be outwitted. He could be resisted. And in some cases, he was straight-up afraid. And for these reasons, and more, Zeus was far from the top of the divine food chain. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In myth and legend, there exist forces even gods must answer to. Time. Destiny.  But above all…Fate. A force so powerful that even God and Satan had to answer to it. But what if I told you that it was three beings who were responsible for fate itself? Not gods of thunder or war. Not angels or demons. But something else... See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Before the Great Flood… before the Ten Commandments… a different kind of rebellion took place. One that started not on Earth—but in the heavens.” Long before the floodwaters rose… before Moses parted the sea… before even Abraham’s covenant with God—there was a story. A story of 200 divine beings who descended to Earth on Mount Hermon. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the last video, we discussed biblically accurate angels — and it was there that we unearthed a shocking truth: they’re not winged babies or glowing men in robes… But in fact, terrifying, often-alien looking beings that radiate divine power. And today, we’ll be taking a look at the other side of the coin.. Because if THOSE things were the messengers of divine order… Then what could the opposite possibly look like? Red skin? Horns? Maybe a pitchfork? Well… the truth is, that’s Hollywood. Because when it comes to the bible, or at least other ancient texts- Demons get way stranger — and most importantly: way more disturbing. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if I told you that the angels you see in paintings, Christmas cards, and stained-glass windows... Have nothing to do with how angels are actually described in the Bible? They aren’t cute little babies with wings or gentle, glowing humans in white robes strumming harps. In fact, that’s not even close. Because in reality, biblical angels are terrifying. They often appeared with multiple sets of wings, faces of beasts, and bodies covered in eyes. And in almost every story — their very presence causes fear. I mean..If they weren’t terrifying, why would Gabriel’s first words to Mary be: “Do Not Be Afraid” See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we’re going to be diving DEEP down the rabbit hole- all the way to the depths of hell- and discussing the seven MAIN princes that reside there. The concept of hell exists across nearly all mythologies- a place where the deceased go after a life of sin- a place where you are subjected to eternal suffering in order to PAY for your wrongdoings. In Greek Myth we see hell go by another name- Tartarus, and in Norse myth we see hell go by a very similar name- ‘Hel’- which also happens to be personified by a female Norse Goddess. However, in today’s video we’re going to be discussing Hell in the context of Demonology- and unravelling aspects of the traditional concept of ‘hell’ that most of us are accustomed to. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey everyone, welcome to Mythology Explained. The topic of this video is Khepri, the god of the rising sun in Egyptian mythology, which, in certain traditions, connected him to the very first sunrise in the primordial past, the infant sun rising from the waters of Nun or from the primordial lotus. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey everyone, welcome to Mythology Explained. The topic of this video is Geras, the Greek god of old age, especially the frailty and feebleness of old age. He was depicted as a bent and brittle man, kept upright only by the grace of his staff, vigour and vitality sapped. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey everyone, welcome to Mythology Explained. The topic of this video is Helios. He was the Titan-god of the sun in Greek mythology, also associated with sight and oaths. He lived in a golden palace at the edge of the world, emerging each morning to drive his chariot across the sky, bathing the earth in life-giving light. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey everyone, welcome to Mythology Explained. In today’s video, we’re going to dive into the Divine Comedy and discuss the 9th circle of hell: the circle reserved for traitors, the frozen heart of hell where Satan is torturously trapped, and the place in all of creation most sundered from the light and love and God. Here, we’ll see Satan depicted in superlative fashion, virtually as massive, monstrous, and malevolent as can be, the horror of him beyond Dante’s ability to fully describe.  We’re going to begin by quickly outlining how Hell is structured, then jumping into the story when Dante and Virgil enter the 8th circle, covering their entry into the 9th circle, their encounter with Satan, and their arrival at Mt. Purgatory.  Alright, let’s get into it. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey everyone, welcome to Mythology Explained. The Topic of this video is Zeus Ammon, a god coalesced from Greek and Egyptian counterparts. More broadly, we’ll explore the intermingling of Greek and Egyptian mythology in general, which yielded a multitude of other gods and mutually influenced rituals, another notable example being Hermanubis, a deity that combined the Greek god Hermes with the Egyptian god Anubis.  As well, Alexander the Great will be a main focus, his conquests suffusing much of the ancient world with Greek culture like never before. Most significant, with respect to this video, was his liberation of Egypt, which had, until his arrival, been under Persian control for centuries. The Egyptians welcomed Alexander. They made him pharaoh, consecrating him as the son of Amun, and he cultivated this image, fanning the flames of his divinity. He referred to himself as the son of Zeus Ammon, and he promulgated this image across his empire, coinage depicting him with the god’s curved ram’s horns disseminated far and wide.  Alright let's get into it. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices