EP 30: Gods, Heroes & War

Welcome to Episode 30 where we survey ancient war and how it formed the Greek notion of the ideal hero.

Thousands of years ago heroes were, without exception, brave young men. They expected to die young, valiantly and with the bodies of those they’d slain lying at their feet.

In this episode we contrast ancient war involving the gods to modern, secular war. Millennium ago, more frequently than not, Greek generals led the charge. Because they were first to leap toward the enemy, they inspired their troops. We look briefly at how that  has changed in modern warfare.

War molded ancient concepts of bravery and courage. Heroes were celebrated. Potters, farmers and philosophers were all expected to fight at a moment’s notice.

Narrated by mythologist and best-selling author, Patrick Garner, Garner's Greek Mythology is unlike any other Greek history series ...