Greek Mythology Retold
Janell Rhiannon 27 episodes Oct 29, 2026
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 in-depth 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
Achilles, Alexander, and Darrow
In this episode of Greek Mythology Retold, I dive into Homer's Achilles, Alexander the Great, and Darrow from Pierce Brown's Red Rising saga. From Alexander's near-fatal assault at the Mallian siege to Achilles' devastating withdrawal from the Trojan War and Darrow's ruthless decisions, I explore what makes these men so fascinating.I'll also share a scene from my epic fantasy series, The Homeric C
Epic Women of Homer: An Interview with Dr. Eirene Allen
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
The Hero and The Man: An Interview with C. B. Robertson
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 l
This Immortal Heart: An Interview with Jennifer Saint
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 mythol
Odysseus: The Wanderer's Curse Part 2 of 2
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
Odysseus: The Wanderer's Curse Part 1 of 2
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.Explore more Greek myth and epic retellings:The Homeric Chro
Medium Rare: An interview with A. Natasha Joukovsky
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
I, Medusa: An Interview with Ayana Gray
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 r
Odysseus: Trickster King Part 2 of 2
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.Homeric Chronicles SeriesWikiHow Expert Contributor
Odysseus: Trickster King Part 1 of 2
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.Explore more Greek myth and epic retellings:The Homeric Chronicles, an adult fantasy series inspired by Greek mythology and the Trojan War.Homeric
Aftermyth: An Interview with Tracy Wolff
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 Explore more Greek myth and epic retellings:The Homeric Chronicles, an adult fantasy series inspired by Greek my
Penelope's Bones: An Interview with Emily Hauser
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 BonesExplore more Greek myth and epic retellings:The Homeric Chronicles, an adult fantasy series inspired by Greek mythology and the Trojan War.Homer
Medusa: An Interview with Julie Berry
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 KillExplore more Greek myth and epic retellings:The Homeric Chronicles, an adult fantasy series inspired by Greek mythology and the Trojan War.Homeric Chronicles Series
Hecuba and Hector: Mother and Son
An exploration of the relationship between Queen Hecuba of Troy and her son, Prince Hektor. Explore more Greek myth and epic retellings:The Homeric Chronicles, an adult fantasy series inspired by Greek mythology and the Trojan War.Homeric Chronicles SeriesWikiHow Expert Contributor
Oenone: Wonder Women of Greek Mythology
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.Explore more Greek myth and epic retellings:The Homeric Chronicles, an adult fantasy series inspired by Greek mythology and the Trojan War.Homeric Chronicles SeriesWikiHow Expert Contributor
Achilles: Mother and Commander, Part 2 of 2
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.Explore more Greek myth and epic retellings:The Homeric Chronicles, an adult fantasy series inspired by Greek mythology and the Trojan War.H
Achilles: Mother and Commander, Part 1 of 2
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.Explore more Greek myth and epic retellings:The Homeric Chronicles, an adult fantasy series inspired by Greek mythology and the Troja
Thetis: Wonder Women of Greek Mythology
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.Explore more Greek myth and epic retellings:The Homeric Chronicles, an adult fantasy series inspired by Greek mythology and the Trojan War.Homeric Chronicles SeriesWikiHow Expert Contributor
Hecuba: Queen of Troy Bonus
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.Explore more Greek myth and epic retellings:The Homeric Chronicles, an adult fantasy series inspired by Greek mythology and the Trojan War.Homeric Chronicles SeriesWikiHow Expert Contributor
Achilles: Super Men of Greek Mythology, Part 2 of 2
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.Explore more Greek myth and epic retellings:The Homeric Chronicles, an adult fantasy series inspired by Greek mythology and the Trojan War.Homeric Chronicles SeriesWikiHow Expert C
Achilles: Super Men of Greek Mythology, Part 1 of 2
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.Homeric Chronicles SeriesWikiHow Expert Contributor
Helen of Sparta and Troy: Wonder Women of Greek Mythology
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.Explore more Greek myth and epic retellings:The Homeric Chronicles, an adult fantasy series inspired by Greek mythology and the Trojan
Briseis: Wonder Women of Greek Mythology, Part 2 of 2
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
Briseis: Wonder Women of Greek Mythology, Part 1 of 2
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.Explore more Greek myth and epic retellings:The Homeric Chronicles, an adult fantasy series inspired by
Andromache: Wonder Women of Greek Mythology
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.Explore more Greek myth and epic retellings:The Homeric Chronicles, an adult fantasy
Penelope: Wonder Women of Greek Mythology
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.Explore more Greek myth and epic retellings:The Homeric Chronicles, an ad
Hecuba and Leda: Wonder Women of Greek Mythology
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.Explore more Greek myth and epic retellings:The Homeric Chronicles, an adult fantasy series inspired by Greek mythology and the Trojan War.Ho
Clytemnestra: Wonder Women of Greek Mythology
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.Explore more Greek myth and epic retellings:The Homeric Chronicles, an adult fantasy series inspired by Greek mythology and the Trojan War.Homeric Chronicles SeriesWikiHow Expert Contributor
The Timeline of the First Trojan War
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.Explore more Greek myth and epic retellings:The Homeric Chronicles, an adult fantasy series inspired by Greek mythology and the Tr
The Timeline of Helen of Sparta
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.Explore more Greek myth and epic retellings:The Homeric Chronicles, an adult fanta
The Timeline of Trojan War Events
How the "Golden Apple" event and the "Judgement of Paris" inform a clearer understanding of a chronological narrative of the pre-Trojan War years.Explore more Greek myth and epic retellings:The Homeric Chronicles, an adult fantasy series inspired by Greek mythology and the Trojan War.Homeric Chronicles SeriesWikiHow Expert Contributor
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