What a Classic!

In this episode, we dive deep into the myth of Circe, the infamous witch from Odysseus’ tale who turned men into pigs, but who is so much more than just a villain.  

From her punishment of Glaucus, her banishment to her magical island, to her unexpected relationship with Odysseus, Circe’s story is one of power, betrayal, and transformation. We’ll uncover her journey from a goddess exiled in isolation to a woman who redefined what it means to embrace independence and strength. 

Is Circe a victim, a villain, or a misunderstood goddess? Join us as we explore her myth, compare her to other powerful women like Medea, and discuss how her story is still shaping the way we see women’s power today. 

By the end of this episode, you’ll see Circe as a symbol of resilience and self-discovery, and you’ll never look at her magic the same way again.  

Love, betrayal, revenge. A powerful woman scorned, or a victim of her circumstances?  

In this episode of What a Classic!, we dive into one of the most iconic—and controversial—figures in Greek mythology: Medea. From her fateful meeting with Jason to the ultimate act of vengeance that would change her life forever, this myth is packed with drama and moral dilemmas.

But the real question is: Can her revenge ever truly be justified? Was Medea driven by love, or was it something deeper—something that made her a force to be reckoned with? We’ll explore the extreme choices Medea makes, the consequences of betrayal, and how her myth resonates today in a world where power and agency are still hard-won. 

Tune in for a gripping retelling, a dive into the timeless themes of justice and retribution, and the enduring legacy of one of the greatest anti-heroines in mythology. 

Jason and the Argonauts sailed through stormy seas, faced mythical monsters, and braved impossible odds to claim the Golden Fleece. But when Jason returns home, he discovers that victory isn’t always sweet—and glory comes at a steep price.

In this epic tale, we’re diving into Jason’s legendary quest, from the eerie island of Lemnos to the treacherous shores of Colchis. Along the way, Jason and his crew encounter impossible challenges, like battling fire-breathing bulls, tricking the Clashing Rocks, and even taking on deadly birds with metal feathers. 🦅

But when Jason finally claims the Fleece, his real battle begins back home. Betrayal, bloodshed, and heartbreak will soon follow... and it’s only the beginning.

💥 Tune in now to hear the thrilling highs and heartbreaking lows of one of the greatest adventures in Greek mythology.

You don’t want to miss this! 🎧✨

What does it take to be a hero? Is it strength, sacrifice, or something deeper? In this episode, we dive into the epic tale of Heracles—the mythic Greek hero who slayed monsters, battled gods, and completed the impossible Twelve Labours. But did his legendary feats bring him redemption, or just more suffering?  
 
From facing the terrifying Hydra to conquering the Underworld itself, Heracles' journey is as much about perseverance and self-reflection as it is about raw strength. Yet, beneath the glory lies a tragic twist: his quest for immortality comes with a brutal price. 

Is he a hero, or a man forever haunted by his past? Join us as we explore the complexity of heroism, the dark side of immortality, and the timeless lessons we can learn from Heracles' story.

Spoiler alert: being a hero is way harder than it looks. 

In this episode of What a Classic!, we’re unpacking one of the most misunderstood figures in Greek mythology: Medusa. Often seen as a monster to be slain, Medusa’s story is one of injustice, transformation, and the powerful consequences of divine wrath. 

But what if Medusa isn’t the villain we’ve been led to believe? We’ll explore how Medusa was once a beautiful mortal, a priestess of Athena, whose life was destroyed by the gods. We’ll dive into the deep layers of her myth, examining the trauma she endured, the blame she unjustly received, and the tragic irony of her punishment. 

We’ll also take a critical look at Perseus, the so-called “hero” who slays Medusa, and ask some tough questions: Is he really the hero of the story? What does his quest say about power, glory, and the treatment of women in the ancient world? 

This is not just the tale of a monster—it’s a story about victimisation, agency, and reclaiming one’s narrative. So, join us as we peel back the layers of Medusa’s myth, and explore why her story still speaks to us today. 

A cursed king, a monstrous labyrinth, and a deadly showdown with a beast like no other—this episode pulls you into one of Greek mythology’s most twisted and tragic tales. When King Minos defies the gods, Poseidon curses his wife, leading to the birth of the monstrous Minotaur. Trapped in an inescapable maze, the creature terrorises Crete, demanding a deadly tribute from Athens every nine years. 

But this time, Theseus isn’t backing down. Armed with nothing but Ariadne’s thread, the fearless prince of Athens enters the labyrinth to face the Minotaur—and change the fate of his people. But even the mightiest heroes can’t escape the labyrinth of love, betrayal, and divine fury. Will Theseus emerge victorious, or will his hero’s journey come with a deadly cost? 

A story of passion, revenge, and the price of heroism—get ready for an unforgettable mythological ride. 

In this episode (our final episode in our Olympian series) we dive deep into the world of Dionysus, the Greek god of wine, revelry, and madness.  

From his dramatic birth to his encounters with pirates, kings, and mortals, we explore the myths that shaped his complex character. We also take a closer look at his ecstatic worship—whether through the Dionysia festival, the wild dances of the Maenads, or the sacred Theatre of Dionysus.  

What does his chaotic, transformative nature teach us about the Greeks—and about ourselves? Tune in as we unravel the god of extremes and find a timeless message in his ancient rituals. 

Prepare for battle in this week’s episode as we tackle one of the most feared—and misunderstood—gods of Mount Olympus: Ares, the god of war! 🏹⚔️ 

Ares is often seen as the embodiment of mindless violence, chaos, and bloodshed, but there's so much more to this powerful deity than just his love for conflict.

We explore how the ancient Greeks both feared and worshiped Ares, seeing him as both a necessary evil in times of war, and a symbol of pride and destructive power. His worship was violent and visceral, but also filled with paradoxes: while he was the god of conflict, he could also inspire loyalty, courage, and even beauty in battle. 

But Ares isn’t just about destruction. His stories also teach us about the human side of war—the passions, the pride, and the personal costs that come with it. We’ll look at how his myths have shaped our modern understanding of power, violence, and the emotional toll of conflict. 

This marks the penultimate episode in our Olympian Gods series, and we're ending with a bang—so don’t miss out on Ares’ bloody legacy before we dive into the wild and unpredictable world of Dionysus next week! 

In this episode of What a Classic!, we’re exploring the irresistible—and often tumultuous—world of Aphrodite, the goddess who has captured our imaginations for centuries. From her dramatic birth from the sea foam to her role in the epic Judgement of Paris, Aphrodite's myths are as complex as love itself.

But there’s more to her than just romance—discover the scandalous twists in her marriage to Hephaestus, her affair with Ares, and the heartbreak of her doomed love for Adonis. We’ll also take you to the sacred temples where worshippers celebrated both the beauty and chaos of desire, and show how Aphrodite’s legacy lives on in art, culture, and modern media.

Join us as we unravel the goddess who embodies both the creation and destruction that comes with love.

Don’t forget to rate and review the show! And for more behind-the-scenes content, follow us on Instagram @whataclassicpodcast.

Step into the shadows of the Underworld as we explore the dark and fascinating world of Hades.

From his powerful rule over the dead to his complex relationships with Persephone and the tragic Orpheus and Eurydice, we unravel the myths that have haunted ancient Greece for centuries.

We'll also dive into the heroic feats of Heracles in his labours, including his encounters with Cerberus and the deadly Stymphalian Birds.

Join us as we uncover the timeless stories that have shaped our understanding of life, death, and the gods who rule over both!