I'm not particularly interested in ancient history and/or mythology, but for some reason I really like watching your vidoes where you talk about them. You address the topic in an educated, yet accessible manner, which, in turn, makes me feel educated and smart, because I can listen to what you say and think about it. So I want to say thank you for broadening my horizons :)
I was the guy who submitted that answer, and your response is very well put! I'm a 3rd year ancient history student and I suppose what I wanted to say was that I like socio-economic and political history. But the thing is, you are absolutely right: Cultural attitudes and issues of identity survive through mythology! Hopefully you didn't find my answer to be dismissive of mythology as it certainly wasn't intended to be, and thanks for providing the internet with a compelling argument about mythology as a tool to discern the attitudes and values of two of the most influential peoples in history!
This is so interesting! I love how often you bring up mythology. I grew up surrounded by different illustrated books on the Greek gods. So, it's a topic that is near and dear to my heart and something I'm always excited to learn more about. I'll have to find some time soon to watch your entire Ancient History & Classics video playlist.
I also agree with you. Mythology offers a unique window into the sociopolitical climate of a civilization and gives a glimpse into what they held to be important within the collective consciousness of their community. Mythology adds additional depth and dimension to historical facts, therefore providing a more complete perspective of the people living in that era.
I really enjoyed this video (and really all of your ancient Greek/classical related videos)! I am currently a fourth year student studying Classics (and archaeology), and even though I find all of the different aspects of the study of ancient civilizations, studying mythology is by far my favorite topic (and is the main reason why I decided to study what I am). Not only are the myths entertaining and moralizing, but I love how it does show a different perspective (or potential perspective) on ancient cultures/politics/beliefs. I really wish the Classics department at Glasgow Uni had more mythology-based courses, or addressed them more than they did, because they are just so interesting, and because, from the evidence that has survived, myth has played a huge part in ancient times. I'd have to say that my favorite myth is that of Prometheus because of the kind of complicated/grey depiction of him (though, I think this is also partially due to the fact that I had written my dissertation on his mythology).
I really enjoyed this video! I earned my MA in Public History (for those who don't know, it's basically focusing on the teaching of History outside of an academic setting). We didn't study too much about ancient civilizations during my program but I learned enough to know that the study of History is about way more than just facts. I wholeheartedly agree that mythology can teach us a lot about those civilizations and their culture. Great topic to discuss, Jean! I look forward to more videos on these subjects! :)
I loved ever second of this! As a scholar myself (although in a different field), it is so nice to hear someone passionate about their work informing others about its importance. It was so great to see you addressing assumptions in a thoughtful and accessible way. Thank you!
Yes! Myth is so important. It's what got me interested in Ancient History in the first place. And I think it would be impossible just to study anitiquity without it.
I agree. I'm studying history at college and it is my firm belief that history is not just events but language, art, literature, myths, music, politics, architecture, etc. History is the most forgotten form of storytelling and if you simply study events you are missing a bulk of history and I would argue that you miss the point all together. I would love to hear more about your study if using myths to help piece together history!
I'll be starting my MA in Classical Studies in the autumn, and this is going to be my focus. The arts and "reality" (for lack of a better word) were completely interconnected. Even something purely functional like pottery was often decorated with art based in myth. In later times, the Romans had myths in their homes in the form of mosaics as well. I love antiquity.
Super interesting video, Jean! And your way of explaining everything with such passion just makes it even more compelling :) I miss my classic Greek class from highschool, but watching videos like this one really helps coping with that nostalgia.
Wow, you are an interesting person. Very well explained and articulated. I have a love of mythology and folklore and believe that it had a big influence on the morals, ethics and societal structures. Currently I am spending a few years living in Italy and it is even to this day obvious how prevalent the Gods and the hero stories were. Each was a life lesson to be passed down and used as guidance on daily life.
Hi, lovely video. I love mythology but had never looked at it within its historical context, that adds a different but very interesting layer to it. Thanks!!
Whilst I know only the basics of the Ancient World and their myths (would love to learn more) I completely agree with what you're saying. My favourite period of history is the later middle ages to the Tudor era and I would be a fool but to read the likes of King Arthur snd Robin Hood as they are representations of the way of life for different areas of that society and what they believed how they behaved during that time! Same goes for Shakespeare. His history plays are certainly not an accurate representation of the things he wrote about but it does say how the Tudors interpreted it! It's just as fascinating and just as important!
I find all your videos very interesting especially those pertaining to Ancient Greek and roman myths, ancient history, classics and everything pertaining to antiquity. I wish you would do a comparative video of Greek myths and those prevailing in other cultures. I also wish you would do an video on Pliny the Elder though it is a little off topic from what you have done thus far.
Aw thank you for the requests but I have very little knowledge of Pliny the Elder, other than the basics, and haven't done any research comparing classical myths to those of other folklore so unfortunately do not feel as if I'd have anything to say in videos about the topics. I'm so glad to hear you enjoy my antiquity centric videos though!
I love this video! So articulate, and it elucidates much of what I'm sure non-Classics students / scholars know about. I would love more videos illustrating connections between Ancient myths and Greco-Roman histories. Also, I absolutely want to hear your feminist analysis of Leda and the Swan. I know this seems like such question that the uninitiated would be ask, but I just love to know more about that. I love Medusa, too. If you could possibly talk about her, I'd be a happy camper. :D Also, you're amazing, Jean!!!!!!
There's a really great book called 'Did the Greeks belive in their myths?' which is part answering this question part philosophical essay into the nature of 'truth' and 'belief'. Because of couse the Greeks both believed their myths were true and knew they weren't. It's very interesting! But... very dense haha
This is an interesting intro on how religious stories are integrated into real social institutions. Have you ever read Walter Burkert's ANCIENT MYSTERY CULTS? It's an excellent short study of ancient religion in the Ancient Greek world.
Hey Jean! I am quite intrigued by the story of Atalanta, warrior woman. Would you be able to make a video about it? Thanks heaps for all that you do 🌸💖
Sorry, you're going to get sick of seeing me today! I'm having a bit of a YT catch-up! I would love hearing you talk about these things. I've been studying bits of mythology and finding that the mythology crosses over between my subjects since obviously philosophy mixes with religion a lot in the more ancient world. Would love to hear more on the greek/roman myths - I'm going to be getting some of your book recommendations from a previous video - because it's definitely a part of mythology I'm not as familiar with. I've done more on the Indian myths and how they shaped Hinduism etc. The ancient world I've focused more on the academic philosophers like Plato and Charmadas. I know feel I'm missing out on a really fascinating part of history! You have a great way of explaining things, I can see you being good at teaching. You may have answered this in a previous video and I've missed it, but are you interested in becoming a lecturer? I think you would be great at it :)
this was such an interesting video, thank you! i had a greek myths for children book when i was in primary school but haven't really spent much thought on them ever since so i might actually give that playlist of yours a watch :-) also this is totally random but every time i watch your videos i just stare at your tidy and organised desk in awe and then look at my own desk on which you can rarely see the surface because there's so much stuff on there haha
Generally speaking, I pick all of the rubbish of my desk and but it on my bed when I film videos in front of it - and then it is returned to the desk aha. I'm so glad you enjoyed the video though :).
I find it interesting that almost all cultures have a myth similar to Noah's Ark, where someone saves the species from an great flood. It's interesting why our myths are so similar but not very surprising because our journey of human evolution is common.
Roger Mehta also because religions constantly copy older myths and redact them to suit the ulterior motives of the founders. The Abrahamic religions are a perfect example of that process.
T'is said 'Myths are lies breathed in silver.' There are those who say all myths are like this 'cept for those of the OT & NT: they really happened: that is, if one believes Mr. Tolkien and Mr. Lewis. Can mythology also teach us philosophy? Guide us re archeology, besides helping Schliemann? My fav myth is that of Cupid and Psyche. Beauty and the beast is derived from this myth & it keeps on getting respun, especially in the present era of the late 20th and early 21stC, and continues on with no abation whatsoever.
Lately I've been tempted to read some books about ancient history although it's usually way out of my comfort zone. No idea where that's coming from...😌
There's a really great book called 'Did the Greeks belive in their myths?' which is part answering this question part philosophical essay into the nature of 'truth' and 'belief'. Because of couse the Greeks both believed their myths were true and knew they weren't. It's very interesting! But... very dense haha
![Where to start with Ancient Greek literature according to an Ancient Historian [cc]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/0eF1_lppHug/mqdefault.jpg)
![Where to start with Ancient Greek literature according to an Ancient Historian [cc]](/img/tr.png)
![What is my PhD actually about? [cc]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Z2AQqx3jehA/mqdefault.jpg)
I'm not particularly interested in ancient history and/or mythology, but for some reason I really like watching your vidoes where you talk about them. You address the topic in an educated, yet accessible manner, which, in turn, makes me feel educated and smart, because I can listen to what you say and think about it. So I want to say thank you for broadening my horizons :)
Aha well I'm glad I cans till make interesting videos on a topic for people who aren't hardcore fans already ^_^
I was the guy who submitted that answer, and your response is very well put! I'm a 3rd year ancient history student and I suppose what I wanted to say was that I like socio-economic and political history. But the thing is, you are absolutely right: Cultural attitudes and issues of identity survive through mythology! Hopefully you didn't find my answer to be dismissive of mythology as it certainly wasn't intended to be, and thanks for providing the internet with a compelling argument about mythology as a tool to discern the attitudes and values of two of the most influential peoples in history!
This is so interesting! I love how often you bring up mythology. I grew up surrounded by different illustrated books on the Greek gods. So, it's a topic that is near and dear to my heart and something I'm always excited to learn more about. I'll have to find some time soon to watch your entire Ancient History & Classics video playlist.
I also agree with you. Mythology offers a unique window into the sociopolitical climate of a civilization and gives a glimpse into what they held to be important within the collective consciousness of their community. Mythology adds additional depth and dimension to historical facts, therefore providing a more complete perspective of the people living in that era.
I really enjoyed this video (and really all of your ancient Greek/classical related videos)! I am currently a fourth year student studying Classics (and archaeology), and even though I find all of the different aspects of the study of ancient civilizations, studying mythology is by far my favorite topic (and is the main reason why I decided to study what I am). Not only are the myths entertaining and moralizing, but I love how it does show a different perspective (or potential perspective) on ancient cultures/politics/beliefs. I really wish the Classics department at Glasgow Uni had more mythology-based courses, or addressed them more than they did, because they are just so interesting, and because, from the evidence that has survived, myth has played a huge part in ancient times.
I'd have to say that my favorite myth is that of Prometheus because of the kind of complicated/grey depiction of him (though, I think this is also partially due to the fact that I had written my dissertation on his mythology).
I really enjoyed this video! I earned my MA in Public History (for those who don't know, it's basically focusing on the teaching of History outside of an academic setting). We didn't study too much about ancient civilizations during my program but I learned enough to know that the study of History is about way more than just facts. I wholeheartedly agree that mythology can teach us a lot about those civilizations and their culture. Great topic to discuss, Jean! I look forward to more videos on these subjects! :)
I loved ever second of this! As a scholar myself (although in a different field), it is so nice to hear someone passionate about their work informing others about its importance. It was so great to see you addressing assumptions in a thoughtful and accessible way. Thank you!
Yes! Myth is so important. It's what got me interested in Ancient History in the first place. And I think it would be impossible just to study anitiquity without it.
This was a great argument, and it is indeed a great way to look at myths. :)
I agree. I'm studying history at college and it is my firm belief that history is not just events but language, art, literature, myths, music, politics, architecture, etc. History is the most forgotten form of storytelling and if you simply study events you are missing a bulk of history and I would argue that you miss the point all together. I would love to hear more about your study if using myths to help piece together history!
I'll be starting my MA in Classical Studies in the autumn, and this is going to be my focus. The arts and "reality" (for lack of a better word) were completely interconnected. Even something purely functional like pottery was often decorated with art based in myth. In later times, the Romans had myths in their homes in the form of mosaics as well. I love antiquity.
Super interesting video, Jean! And your way of explaining everything with such passion just makes it even more compelling :) I miss my classic Greek class from highschool, but watching videos like this one really helps coping with that nostalgia.
Wow, you are an interesting person. Very well explained and articulated. I have a love of mythology and folklore and believe that it had a big influence on the morals, ethics and societal structures. Currently I am spending a few years living in Italy and it is even to this day obvious how prevalent the Gods and the hero stories were. Each was a life lesson to be passed down and used as guidance on daily life.
This was actually such an interesting video, thank you for making it!!
No problem ^_^ glad you enjoyed it!
Could you shoot a video on teaching Ancient History? That would be great! Really enjoy your videos, but especially the Classical ones!
I honestly don't feel as if I have done enough teaching yet to do any videos on it - I'm still learning, I haven't done an entire course yet.
Hi, lovely video. I love mythology but had never looked at it within its historical context, that adds a different but very interesting layer to it. Thanks!!
Yay it's so much fun when you can incorporate myth into the real world in terms of relevancy, so I'm really glad you enjoyed the video :)
Loved this video. I am fascinated by Mythology. I would like if you make more video about it.
Hopefully in the future :)
I loved this video and always love your videos about mythology :). Thank you for putting in the effort to make such an informative video!
Whilst I know only the basics of the Ancient World and their myths (would love to learn more) I completely agree with what you're saying. My favourite period of history is the later middle ages to the Tudor era and I would be a fool but to read the likes of King Arthur snd Robin Hood as they are representations of the way of life for different areas of that society and what they believed how they behaved during that time! Same goes for Shakespeare. His history plays are certainly not an accurate representation of the things he wrote about but it does say how the Tudors interpreted it! It's just as fascinating and just as important!
This is like the most interesting video you've ever done. Thanks for sharing this. :)
This was such an interesting video. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and expertise :)
Interesting and thought provoking. What more do you want?! Thank you.
I find all your videos very interesting especially those pertaining to Ancient Greek and roman myths, ancient history, classics and everything pertaining to antiquity. I wish you would do a comparative video of Greek myths and those prevailing in other cultures. I also wish you would do an video on Pliny the Elder though it is a little off topic from what you have done thus far.
Aw thank you for the requests but I have very little knowledge of Pliny the Elder, other than the basics, and haven't done any research comparing classical myths to those of other folklore so unfortunately do not feel as if I'd have anything to say in videos about the topics. I'm so glad to hear you enjoy my antiquity centric videos though!
I love this video! So articulate, and it elucidates much of what I'm sure non-Classics students / scholars know about. I would love more videos illustrating connections between Ancient myths and Greco-Roman histories. Also, I absolutely want to hear your feminist analysis of Leda and the Swan. I know this seems like such question that the uninitiated would be ask, but I just love to know more about that. I love Medusa, too. If you could possibly talk about her, I'd be a happy camper. :D
Also, you're amazing, Jean!!!!!!
I really like the character, Atalanta. I first heard about her from the Hercules TV show.
There's a really great book called 'Did the Greeks belive in their myths?' which is part answering this question part philosophical essay into the nature of 'truth' and 'belief'. Because of couse the Greeks both believed their myths were true and knew they weren't. It's very interesting! But... very dense haha
this was a great video i loved hearing more about (greek) mythology
This is an interesting intro on how religious stories are integrated into real social institutions. Have you ever read Walter Burkert's ANCIENT MYSTERY CULTS? It's an excellent short study of ancient religion in the Ancient Greek world.
Hey Jean! I am quite intrigued by the story of Atalanta, warrior woman. Would you be able to make a video about it? Thanks heaps for all that you do 🌸💖
This was a great video and I thoroughly enjoyed watching it!
Thank you :D glad to hear it
Sorry, you're going to get sick of seeing me today! I'm having a bit of a YT catch-up!
I would love hearing you talk about these things. I've been studying bits of mythology and finding that the mythology crosses over between my subjects since obviously philosophy mixes with religion a lot in the more ancient world. Would love to hear more on the greek/roman myths - I'm going to be getting some of your book recommendations from a previous video - because it's definitely a part of mythology I'm not as familiar with. I've done more on the Indian myths and how they shaped Hinduism etc. The ancient world I've focused more on the academic philosophers like Plato and Charmadas. I know feel I'm missing out on a really fascinating part of history!
You have a great way of explaining things, I can see you being good at teaching. You may have answered this in a previous video and I've missed it, but are you interested in becoming a lecturer? I think you would be great at it :)
this was such an interesting video, thank you! i had a greek myths for children book when i was in primary school but haven't really spent much thought on them ever since so i might actually give that playlist of yours a watch :-)
also this is totally random but every time i watch your videos i just stare at your tidy and organised desk in awe and then look at my own desk on which you can rarely see the surface because there's so much stuff on there haha
Generally speaking, I pick all of the rubbish of my desk and but it on my bed when I film videos in front of it - and then it is returned to the desk aha. I'm so glad you enjoyed the video though :).
haha that does make me feel better about my own mess :-)
Fascinating!
I always find it a bid sad when people with no clue about the humanities regard history as something simply factual. Thanks for clarifying this.
This is the most interesting video I have ever watched!
Aw thank you so much!
Just wondering if you've read the Song of Achilles? I know it's not the most accurate myth retelling, but it's one of my favorite books :)
I find it interesting that almost all cultures have a myth similar to Noah's Ark, where someone saves the species from an great flood. It's interesting why our myths are so similar but not very surprising because our journey of human evolution is common.
Roger Mehta also because religions constantly copy older myths and redact them to suit the ulterior motives of the founders. The Abrahamic religions are a perfect example of that process.
T'is said 'Myths are lies breathed in silver.' There are those who say all myths are like this 'cept for those of the OT & NT: they really happened: that is, if one believes Mr. Tolkien and Mr. Lewis.
Can mythology also teach us philosophy? Guide us re archeology, besides helping Schliemann?
My fav myth is that of Cupid and Psyche. Beauty and the beast is derived from this myth & it keeps on getting respun, especially in the present era of the late 20th and early 21stC, and continues on with no abation whatsoever.
Lately I've been tempted to read some books about ancient history although it's usually way out of my comfort zone. No idea where that's coming from...😌
Aha glad to hear it. Well, I have some recommendations for places to start here if it's helpful: th-cam.com/video/H4hLFFyCS_k/w-d-xo.html
Hi jean I'll be studying mythology as my compulsory module at uni can u please recommend any helpful introduction to mythology books, thank u
I like your explanation about woman
me, when realising that Troy could be a fictional place......
There's a really great book called 'Did the Greeks belive in their myths?' which is part answering this question part philosophical essay into the nature of 'truth' and 'belief'. Because of couse the Greeks both believed their myths were true and knew they weren't. It's very interesting! But... very dense haha