The History of Greek Mythology: From Mount Olympus to modern mystery

For over two thousand years, Greek mythology has shaped Western imagination. Stories of Olympian gods, epic heroes, and fearsome monsters have inspired philosophers and poets, painters and playwrights, filmmakers and fans alike. We’ve seen Homeric epics to the spectacle of Troy and the bold reinvention of myth in Netflix’s Kaos.

Every retelling places us in an unbroken chain of storytellers stretching back to antiquity, keeping ancient voices alive in the modern world. But how well do we really know the origins of these tales?

In this talk, Dr Shelby Judge explores the great mythic ages of ancient Greece – the Golden and Silver Ages, the Bronze Age, and the Age of Heroes – bringing to life the defining stories and figures of each era. Along the way, the talk asks a deeper question: why have these myths endured?

By examining their archetypes, moral tensions, and enduring insights into the human condition, this talk reveals why Greek mythology continues to fascinate, challenge, and enchant us today.