More Queer Nymphs

In Episode 6 of More Queer Nymphs, Clare M Coombe explores the parallels and opposition between Sirens and Nereids, who will both inform later Mermaid myths, considering their allure, their song, and how they embody female empowerment.

In Episode 5 of More Queer Nymphs, Clare M Coombe discusses Circe, powerful witch, daughter of the Sun, transformer of men, and big fan of pigs. Why would she submit to Odysseus when he threatens her? Why would she pine for him? What happened to her power in the end?

In Episode 4 of More Queer Nymphs, Clare M Coombe discusses Skylla, especially her transformation from girl into monster as described by Ovid. Dealing with issues of beauty, appetite, and what women want, the episode tries to free Skylla from the monster narrative, reclaiming it for women's empowerment and freedom.

In Episode 3 of More Queer Nymphs, Clare M Coombe explores the myth of Lamia, looking at motherhood and monstrosity, women's identity, female sexuality, and vampirism. Lamia, whose children, born to Zeus, are stolen by Hera, suffers terrible grief, and, in her powerlessness, becomes a child-killer herself. Later she will be identified with women who seduce young men and drink their blood. Oh, and she can remove her own eyes at will...

In Episode 2 of More Queer Nymphs, Clare M Coombe explores the story of Callisto, exploring themes of power-abuse and metamorphosis. Raped by Zeus, made pregnant, rejected by Artemis and her chosen family, and transformed into a bear: this episode views the myth as a metaphor for complicity in abuse of women and loss of bodily autonomy.

In Episode 1 of More Queer Nymphs, Clare M Coombe explores the story of the nymph Daphne, who opts out of normative gender structures but cannot free herself from predatory men or patriarchal control over her body. Assaulted by Apollo, she is turned into a laurel tree by her father, but retains her mind even as she loses her bodily autonomy forever.