WINNOW: A Couple’s Close Reading of the Iliad and Odyssey

This week's episode is all about Book 7 of the Iliad, where we break down another duel where no one dies. It's Hector vs. Ajax, but it ends in a draw. Why do they agree to halt the duel? In many ways this book is all about resetting the stage. The sun goes down and the dead are collected. Plus, Bella proposes the tile conspiracy theory. Did Ajax really get chosen at random?

Listen to Book 8 of the Iliad to be prepared for the next episode on YouTube. 

Watch this episode on YouTube.

Thank you to Nat Copeland for our theme song.

Join us, Owen and Isabella Gemmer, as we dive deep into the Iliad and Odyssey one book at a time. This week's episode is all about Book 6 of the Iliad, where we talk about the brutality of war. And we try to answer the age-old question: why can't we be guest-friends? Do these guys really have to fight one another? Plus, we argue over our differing opinions on Hector. Are his actions heroic or cowardly? Should he stay with Andromache or go down fighting?

Listen to Book 7 of the Iliad to be prepared for the next episode on YouTube.

Watch this episode on YouTube.

Thank you to Nat Copeland for our theme song.

Welcome to WINNOW. Join us, Owen and Isabella Gemmer, as we dive deep into the Iliad and Odyssey one book at a time. This week's episode is all about Book 5 of the Iliad, where we talk about epic moments on the battlefield at Troy. This war is both epic and brutal. Ares joins in the fight on the Trojan side and Athena sides with the Greeks. Who will be triumphant? We also discuss fate and destiny in greek mythology. How much freewill do these heroes have or are their fates sealed?

Listen to Book 6 of the Iliad to be prepared for the next episode on YouTube.

Watch this episode on YouTube.

Thank you to Nat Copeland for our theme song.

Welcome to WINNOW. Join us, Owen and Isabella Gemmer, as we dive deep into the Iliad and Odyssey one book at a time. This week's episode is all about Book 4 of the Iliad, where we talk about the bow shot heard 'round the world. Menelaus is wounded! The fighting begins! Join us as we discuss Bronze Age warfare and how to understand the greek word "thumos". Who is to blame for this war? And who are we rooting for?

Listen to Book 5 of the Iliad to be prepared for the next episode on YouTube.

Watch this episode on Youtube.

Thank you to Nat Copeland for our theme song.

Welcome to WINNOW. Join us, Owen and Isabella Gemmer, as we dive deep into the Iliad and Odyssey one book at a time. This week's episode is all about Book 3 of the Iliad, where we talk about the duel between Menelaus and Paris. The duel that could've ended the Trojan War. We also explore themes of glory and honor on the battlefield. Who will go down as a hero? And who will be remembered as a coward?

Watch this episode on YouTube.

Listen to Book 4 of the Iliad to be prepared for the next episode on YouTube.

Thank you to Nat Copeland for our theme song.

Welcome to the first episode of WINNOW. Join us, Owen and Isabella Gemmer, as we dive deep into the Iliad and Odyssey one book at a time. This week's episode is all about Book 2 of the Iliad, where we talk about the infamous catalog of ships.

Listen to Book 3 of the Iliad to be prepared for the next episode: here

Thank you to Nat Copeland for our theme song.

Welcome to the first episode of WINNOW. Join us, Owen and Isabella Gemmer, as we dive deep into the Iliad and Odyssey one book at a time. This week's episode is all about Book 1 of the Iliad, where we talk about Achilles' rage.

Watch this episode on YouTube!

Listen to Book 2 of the Iliad to be prepared for next week's episode here.

Thank you to Nat Copeland for our theme song.

Welcome to WINNOW: A Couple's Close Reading of the Iliad and Odyssey. This is the introductory episode of our podcast where we, Owen and Isabella Gemmer, are diving deep into Homer's epic poems. Before we break down each book of the two epics, we first discuss the most popular translations of Homer's work. Which ones are best for first-time Homer readers? Which are we going to read on this journey? Whether you're looking to encounter Homer for the first time or are already a fan, we hope there's something for you along the way.

Watch this episode on YouTube!

If you're interested in reading along with us, Owen is recording an audiobook of Samuel Butler's translation. Listen here to prepare for the next episode.

To view the Translation Matrix, click here. 

Thank you to Nat Copeland for our theme song.