Greek Mythology Retold

Hosted by author and historian Janell Rhiannon, Greek Mythology Retold explores the myths and legends connected to the Trojan War, from the rise of Helen and Achilles to the long homecoming of Odysseus. Through historical analysis, character studies, source discussions, and conversations with authors and scholars, the podcast examines the people behind the legends and the stories that continue to captivate readers thousands of years later. Whether you're interested in Homer, Greek myth retellings, or the history behind the epics, you'll find a seat at the table. Welcome, Myrmidons! Discover more about Janell Rhiannon and the Homeric Chronicles WikiHow Expert Contributor

Episodes

Epic Women of Homer: An Interview with Dr. Eirene Allen

September 13, 2026 • 61 mins

In this episode of Greek Mythology Retold, I sit down with classicist and author Dr. Eirene Allen to discuss her book The Epic Women of Homer. We explore the women at the heart of the Iliad and Odyssey, including Penelope, Helen, Andromache, and Briseis and the different forms of power Homer gives them.

Are these women truly secondary to the heroes, or have modern readers simply overlooked the ways women wield power in Homer...

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The Hero and The Man: An Interview with C. B. Robertson

June 11, 2026 • 106 mins

In this episode, I chat with Christopher Robertson, known online as Caffeine and Philosophy, about Homer, heroism, and why the ancient epics still matter in the modern world. As the author of The Hero and the Man and creator of the new course Understanding Homer, Christopher explores the timeless archetypes found in the Iliad and the Odyssey, the enduring legacy of Achilles and Odysseus, and the lessons Homer offers about courage, ...

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This Immortal Heart: An Interview with Jennifer Saint

June 6, 2026 • 48 mins

In this episode of Greek Mythology Retold, I sit down with New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Saint to discuss her newest novel, This Immortal Heart, a sweeping retelling of the legendary romance between Aphrodite and Ares. Known for her bestselling novels Ariadne, Elektra, Atalanta, and Hera, Jennifer shares what drew her to the goddess of love, the challenges of reimagining one of mythology's most misunderstood deities, a...

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Odysseus: The Wanderer's Curse Part 2 of 2

May 26, 2026 • 18 mins

In Part 2 of The Wanderer’s Curse, we follow Odysseus from Calypso’s island through the Underworld and into his violent return to Ithaca. After twenty years of war and wandering, Odysseus is no longer the man who sailed to Troy. Through encounters with Achilles, Agamemnon, and the dead, Homer forces us to confront the true cost of war, survivor’s guilt, grief, and homecoming.When Odysseus finally reaches Ithaca, h...

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Odysseus: The Wanderer's Curse Part 1 of 2

May 25, 2026 • 26 mins

In this episode of Greek Mythology Retold, we explore Odysseus as a veteran shaped by twenty years of warfare, loss, survival, and wandering. From the Cicones and the Lotus-Eaters to the Cyclops and Circe, we discover Odysseus as a deeply human figure: a man caught between the glory culture of Troy and the difficult reality of homecoming.

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Medium Rare: An interview with A. Natasha Joukovsky

March 6, 2026 • 37 mins

Today on Greek Mythology Retold I interview Natasha Joukovsky about her novel Medium Rare, a modern reinterpretation of the myth of Icarus told through the voice of a contemporary Cassandra. We talk about hubris, fate, warning signs, and how the ancient cautionary tale of flying too close to the sun still echoes in modern stories. If you love Greek mythology, myth retellings, and the deeper themes behind the Trojan War traditions, ...

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I, Medusa: An Interview with Ayana Gray

February 28, 2026 • 52 mins

In this episode of Greek Mythology Retold, I sit down with bestselling fantasy author Ayana Gray to discuss her newest novel, I, Medusa. It's a powerful and intimate retelling of the Medusa myth. We explore how Gray reimagines Medusa not as a monster, but as a young woman named Meddy before she becomes the legendary Gorgon of Greek mythology. If you love Greek mythology retellings, feminist myth reinterpretations, fantasy author in...

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Odysseus: Trickster King Part 2 of 2

February 16, 2026 • 18 mins

Continuing the in-depth exploration of Odysseus, King of Ithaka. In part 2, we look at the darker side of Odysseus. And how the Trojan Horse was the culmination of his skillset and cunning.

Explore more Greek myth and epic retellings:
The Homeric Chronicles, an adult fantasy series inspired by Greek mythology and the Trojan War.

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Odysseus: Trickster King Part 1 of 2

February 16, 2026 • 31 mins

An in-depth exploration of Odysseus, King of Ithaka. We trace his early life, the roots of his cunning, and the shaping of a mind that would outwit kings and gods. And we ask the question that still matters: why Penelope was the choice that defined him.

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Aftermyth: An Interview with Tracy Wolff

January 10, 2026 • 49 mins

If your kids love Percy Jackson or Harry Potter, this one’s for you.
NYT bestselling author Tracy Wolff stops by Greek Mythology Retold to talk about Aftermyth, Greek mythology, the role of fate, and what she hopes young readers discover through ancient stories told in new ways.

AFTERMYTH

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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.

Penelope's Bones

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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.

If Looks Could Kill

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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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The Homeric Chronicles, an adult fantasy series inspired by Greek mythology and the Trojan War.

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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.

Explore more Greek myth and epic retellings:
The Homeric Chronicles, an adult fantasy series inspired by Greek mythology and the Trojan War.

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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;}Epic Women of Homer: An Interview with Dr. Eirene Allen

.css-r6mb8g{margin:0;word-break:break-word;display:-webkit-box;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;box-orient:vertical;-webkit-line-clamp:1;overflow:hidden;}The Hero and The Man: An Interview with C. B. Robertson

This Immortal Heart: An Interview with Jennifer Saint

Odysseus: The Wanderer's Curse Part 2 of 2

Odysseus: The Wanderer's Curse Part 1 of 2

Medium Rare: An interview with A. Natasha Joukovsky

I, Medusa: An Interview with Ayana Gray

Odysseus: Trickster King Part 2 of 2

Odysseus: Trickster King Part 1 of 2

Aftermyth: An Interview with Tracy Wolff

Penelope's Bones: An Interview with Emily Hauser

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

Popular Podcasts

Epic Women of Homer: An Interview with Dr. Eirene Allen

The Hero and The Man: An Interview with C. B. Robertson