Heroes and Humans

2. Heroes and humans 

The heroes of ancient myth – Hercules, Perseus and Aeneas, to name but three – were almost always demi-gods, the children of illicit relationships between gods (or goddesses) and humans. We will learn their stories, as, unlike the Gods, they do not have specific symbols (or ‘attributes’) to help us identify them: by their actions shall we know them. Mere humans – whether male or female – were usually the victims of the Gods, a problematic legacy that we will negotiate with as much tact as possible. 

There will be a ten-minute break in the middle of this two-hour talk. 

Please remember, I do not record my talks.