The meaning of the word ‘Renaissance’ is clear: rebirth. And it is generally seen as being the rebirth of ideas from the classical past, whether Greek or Roman. Although it wasn’t only the myths and legends that interested scholars and artists alike, it is through them that we can see, most easily, the influence of classical thought. 

But what were the Greek and Roman myths? Who were the leading characters? Where did they come from and what did they do? As well as exploring the answers to these questions, in this three-part course we will also discover the different ways in which artists of the Renaissance used these myths. 

We will also see how the pagan gods and goddesses had never really gone away, learning about their medieval manifestations, not to mention the part they played in painting (and sculpture) after the Renaissance as well.

 In the first talk we will meet the most important members of the cast of characters, The Gods and Goddesses, most familiar to us as the names of the planets - Mars, Venus, Jupiter and Saturn, for example. As the original dysfunctional family, we will discover how they are related, learn how to identify them, and define their responsibilities – whilst also making a start on their varying degrees of irresponsibility, as far as the fate of humans was concerned. 

The talk will last for two hours, with a ten-minute break half-way through.