Everything You Need to Know about Greek Mythology | PBS

“How Greek Mythology Inspires Us | It’s Lit!”

Ancient Greek mythology has worked its way into modern pop culture so deeply that it would be an almost Sisyphean task to compile every way that it's manifested! In this episode of “It’s Lit!,” host Lindsay Ellis explores how Greek mythology has become such a mainstay in the cultural conversation. 

“Odysseus Returns”

Is King Odysseus, the Trojan-Horse-building genius in Homer’s epic poem “The Illiad,” merely a figure of ancient fiction or was he a flesh and blood man? In 1991, Makis Metaxas, a local politician on the Greek island of Kefalonia discovered a 3,000-year-old Mycenaean tomb setting off a controversy over the true identity of the man inside the tomb, who Metaxas claims is the real Odysseus. 

“Were These Mythical Warriors Real? | Fate & Fabled”

Ancient tales speak of the Amazons, a tribe of warrior women who fought epic battles and established great cities that continue to inspire storytellers in modern times. The legend challenges traditional gender roles and inspires narratives of female empowerment. 

“Cyclops: The Origin Story of this Terrifying One-Eyed Giant | Monstrum”

In this episode of “Monstrum,” you’ll hear all about Homer’s Polyphemus and Hesiod’s one-eyed blacksmiths, but also a little about the role paleontology has played in creating monsters. Join Dr. Zarka and special guests Kallie Moore and Blake de Pastino from “Eons” to learn all about the surprising fossil inspiration behind cyclopes.

“Why Prometheus Risked Everything For Humans | Fate & Fabled”

Greek Gods are notorious for petty squabbling, brutal punishments, and meddling in people’s love lives. But in the myth of Prometheus, an immortal makes the ultimate sacrifice for the sake of humankind. A wily Titan who stole fire from the Gods and gave it to humans, Prometheus represents risk, progress, and generally sticking it to the man — Zeus.

“The Origin of Medusa | Monstrum”

Medusa has inspired art for centuries, whether as a symbol of protection or a monster. Explore her literary and cultural history in this episode of “Monstrum” from PBS Digital Studios.

“The Fates: Greek Mythology's Most Powerful Deities | Fate & Fabled”

In this episode, (the first episode of “Fate & Fabled” ever!) we examine the Fates — three shadowy figures who seem to have a near omnipresent influence in the goings-on throughout the Greek mythical universe — and who show up in stories and religions from cultures whose time and place are far removed from the ancient Greeks.

“How Chimaera Mythology Becomes Reality | Monstrum”

The impossible, three-headed monster of Ancient Greek mythology, the Chimaera, may have started off as a fantasy, but today, the word “chimera” can be used to refer to anything that seems impossible. This includes the real-life, interspecies animals humans have successfully created.

“Gaia: The Mother of Creation | Fate & Fabled”

Imagine being the mother to every single living thing. What would you do if one of your children threatened the safety of the others? Would you kill or imprison your progeny to save the world? Gaia would know. As Greek mythology’s original Mother Earth, with the unique ability to create life from nothing, it was often Gaia’s burden to save the world from the cruelty of her immortal children.

“The Fatal Song of the Sirens | Monstrum”

We picture sirens as similar to mermaids, but the original sirens weren’t fish-like at all. This episode of “Monstrum” explains how sirens appeared in ancient history, from literature to art, and looks at how the half human, half bird creatures became more commonly associated with mermaids. 

From Ancient Greek legends to Medieval bestiaries, and even Egyptian hieroglyphics, the siren’s history is so much more complicated than you think.

“Persephone: Bringer of Life or Destruction? | Fate & Fabled”

In Greek mythology, the magnificent mother and daughter duo Demeter and Persephone were the bringers of food and fair weather and were worshiped in lush harvest celebrations. But their story has a darker side — one involving violence, tragic compromise, and a bittersweet resurrection.

“A Long and Difficult Journey, or The Odyssey | Crash Course”

John teaches you the classic, by which I mean classical, epic poem, ”The Odyssey.” The journey of Odysseus as he made his way home after the conclusion of the Trojan War is the stuff of legend. Literally. 

John will teach you about the double standard in Greek culture, Odysseus as jerk/hero, ancient PTSD, and cycles of violence. Also, there are no yogurt jokes. So think of that as a gift.

“Greece: Quest for the Gods”

In this episode of “Richard Bangs’ Adventures with Purpose,” presented by American Public Television, renowned adventurer Richard Bangs embarks on a great odyssey through Greece to discover the meaning and relevance of Greek mythology today. 

Richard begins in Athens, and then heads to Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games. He visits the island of Ithaca, the site of the mystical oracles at Delphi, and finishes his journey at the home of the gods, Mt. Olympus.