Greek Mythology Retold

Janell Rhiannon draws inspiration from the rich tapestry of Greek mythology and history to craft her adult mythology series, The Homeric Chronicles. She shares her indepth research in every episode of the Greek Mythology Retold Podcast. Discover the delightful surprises that breathe fresh life into both well-known and obscure figures of the Trojan War era. Join Janell Rhiannon on a transformative odyssey, where the echoes of ancient Greek history harmonize with the enchantment of Greek myth.

Episodes

Penelope's Bones: An Interview with Emily Hauser

September 14, 2025 • 40 mins

An exploration of Bronze Age women. I talk with bestselling author Dr. Emily Hauser about her newest non-fiction book Penelope's Bones and how archaeology and cutting edge science has helped shed new light on the women of the ancient past.

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Medusa: An Interview with Julie Berry

September 13, 2025 • 40 mins

An exploration of what Medusa means in the modern era. I talk with NYT best selling author Julie Berry about her new book If Looks Could Kill and how Medusa's story still shapes power, rage, and transformation today.

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Hecuba and Hector: Mother and Son

October 6, 2024 • 26 mins

An exploration of the relationship between Queen Hecuba of Troy and her son, Prince Hektor.

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Oenone: Wonder Women of Greek Mythology

November 25, 2023 • 29 mins

An exploration of Oenone, the wife of Paris and mother of Corythus. She plays a pivitol role in Paris's life and the final days of the Trojan War.

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Achilles: Mother and Commander, Part 2 of 2

September 12, 2022 • 15 mins

An discussion of Dr. Casey Due Hackney's essay on mothering similes in the Iliad and how modern day warriors reflect the same emotions as the depicted in Homer's work. The heart-breaking 2010 documentary, Restrepo, about the Afghanistan war is also referenced.

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Achilles: Mother and Commander, Part 1 of 2

September 11, 2022 • 22 mins

This episode explores the essay written by Dr. Casey Due Hackney where she discusses the "mother bird" simile in relation to Achilles and the book Achilles in Vietnam by Dr. Jonathan Shay. The relationship between Achilles and Patroclus (Patrokles) is also discussed.

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Thetis: Wonder Women of Greek Mythology

August 18, 2021 • 41 mins

An exploration of Thetis, the daughter of Nereus, wife to King Peleus, and mother of Achilles. She played a pivotal role in Achilles' life and in the fallout of the Trojan War.

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Hecuba: Queen of Troy Bonus

March 9, 2021 • 23 mins

An indepth look at Queen Hecuba's intimate relationships as as a queen, wife, and mother after she is forced to give up her second son, Paris. Pre and post Trojan War era.

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Achilles: Super Men of Greek Mythology, Part 2 of 2

November 29, 2020 • 29 mins

Part 2 of 2: Continuing the exploration of Achilles "history" with myth-facts about his childhood and training. And how his role in the Trojan War as a combat veteran and commander shaped his most intimate relationships.

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Achilles: Super Men of Greek Mythology, Part 1 of 2

November 29, 2020 • 37 mins

An exploration of Achilles "history" with myth-facts about his childhood and training. And how his role in the Trojan War as a combat veteran and commander shaped his most intimate relationships.

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Helen of Sparta and Troy: Wonder Women of Greek Mythology

April 12, 2020 • 37 mins

An exploration of how Helen of Troy and Sparta became the symbolic spark of the Trojan War. As a favorite of Aphrodite, she endured the goddess’ blessings and curses. The Wonder Women of Greek Mythology series focuses on the female characters of the Trojan War era.

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Briseis: Wonder Women of Greek Mythology, Part 2 of 2

August 4, 2019 • 24 mins

Part 2 of 2: Continuing the exploration of how Briseis played a crucial part in Achilles life. Part two looks at how their relationship could have developed based on extant sources. By examining Achilles’ response to Agamemnon’s bribery and Briseis’ laments for Patrokles and Achilles, we’re able to glimpse an endearing portrait of one of the most famous Iliadic heroines. The Wonder Women of Greek Mythology series focuses on the fem...

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Briseis: Wonder Women of Greek Mythology, Part 1 of 2

April 29, 2019 • 24 mins

Part 1 of 2: An exploration of how Briseis played a central role in the civil war between Achilles and King Agamemnon. Taken as a war prize, she rose in status to become the wife of Achilles’ heart. The Wonder Women of Greek Mythology series focuses on the female characters of the Trojan War era.

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Andromache: Wonder Women of Greek Mythology

December 16, 2018 • 43 mins

An exploration of how Andromache’s experience of the Trojan War typified that of women in the ancient world. Unlike her Greek counterparts, Andromache lived through the war, day by day, alongside her husband, Hektor. The Wonder Women of Greek Mythology series focuses on the female characters of the Trojan War era.

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Penelope: Wonder Women of Greek Mythology

September 18, 2018 • 34 mins

An exploration of how Penelope evolved into the iconic figure of a faithful wife and cunning ally for her husband. Against the odds, she raised a prince to manhood and confounded dozens of suitors bent on ripping her world away. The Wonder Women of Greek Mythology series focuses on the female characters of the Trojan War era.

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Hecuba and Leda: Wonder Women of Greek Mythology

May 26, 2018 • 24 mins

An exploration of two queens: Hecuba and Leda. These two opposing matriarchs of Greek mythology's most prestigious royal families have more in common, than not. The Wonder Women of Greek Mythology series focuses on the female characters of the Trojan War era.

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Clytemnestra: Wonder Women of Greek Mythology

May 6, 2018 • 15 mins

An exploration of why Clytemnestra is one of the most powerful women in Greek mythology. The Wonder Women of Greek Mythology series focuses on the female characters of the Trojan War era.

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The Timeline of the First Trojan War

April 28, 2018 • 14 mins

The final episode in the timeline of the Trojan War series focuses on the generation of the First Trojan War, covering Herakles and Hesione, King Laomedon, and Podarces (Priam) and reveals how these events are tied chronologically to the second, more popular Trojan War.

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The Timeline of Helen of Sparta

April 26, 2018 • 20 mins

Continuing with the timeline of the Pre-Trojan War years, this episode focuses on events surrounding Helen of Sparta. How old was she when she was "taken" by Paris? When was she "taken" by Paris? How old was Helen compared to Achilles and Paris? These questions and several others are answered in this second episode.

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The Timeline of Trojan War Events

April 22, 2018 • 12 mins

How the "Golden Apple" event and the "Judgement of Paris" inform a clearer understanding of a chronological narrative of the pre-Trojan War years.

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Greek Mythology Retold

Episodes

.css-14f5ked{margin:0;word-break:break-word;display:-webkit-box;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;box-orient:vertical;-webkit-line-clamp:2;overflow:hidden;}Penelope's Bones: An Interview with Emily Hauser

.css-r6mb8g{margin:0;word-break:break-word;display:-webkit-box;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;box-orient:vertical;-webkit-line-clamp:1;overflow:hidden;}Medusa: An Interview with Julie Berry

Hecuba and Hector: Mother and Son

Oenone: Wonder Women of Greek Mythology

Achilles: Mother and Commander, Part 2 of 2

Achilles: Mother and Commander, Part 1 of 2

Thetis: Wonder Women of Greek Mythology

Hecuba: Queen of Troy Bonus

Achilles: Super Men of Greek Mythology, Part 2 of 2

Achilles: Super Men of Greek Mythology, Part 1 of 2

Helen of Sparta and Troy: Wonder Women of Greek Mythology

Briseis: Wonder Women of Greek Mythology, Part 2 of 2

Briseis: Wonder Women of Greek Mythology, Part 1 of 2

Andromache: Wonder Women of Greek Mythology

Penelope: Wonder Women of Greek Mythology

Hecuba and Leda: Wonder Women of Greek Mythology

Clytemnestra: Wonder Women of Greek Mythology

The Timeline of the First Trojan War

The Timeline of Helen of Sparta

The Timeline of Trojan War Events

Popular Podcasts

Penelope's Bones: An Interview with Emily Hauser

Medusa: An Interview with Julie Berry