Classical Mythology

By: Elizabeth Vandiver, The Great Courses

Narrated by: Elizabeth Vandiver

Length: 12 hrs and 25 mins

Publisher's summary

These 24 lectures are a vibrant introduction to the primary characters and most important stories of classical Greek and Roman mythology. Among those you'll investigate are the accounts of the creation of the world in Hesiod's Theogony and Ovid's Metamorphoses; the gods Zeus, Apollo, Demeter, Persephone, Hermes, Dionysos, and Aphrodite; the Greek heroes, Theseus and Heracles (Hercules in the Roman version); and the most famous of all classical myths, the Trojan War.

Professor Vandiver anchors her presentation in some basics. What is a myth? Which societies use myths? What are some of the problems inherent in studying classical mythology? She also discusses the most influential 19th- and 20th-century thinking about myth's nature and function, including the psychological theories of Freud and Jung and the metaphysical approach of Joseph Campbell. You'll also consider the relationship between mythology and culture (such as the implications of the myth of Demeter, Persephone, and Hades for the Greek view of life, death, and marriage), the origins of classical mythology (including the similarities between the Theogony and Mesopotamian creation myths), and the dangers of probing for distant origins (for example, there's little evidence that a prehistoric "mother goddess" lies at the heart of mythology).

Taking you from the surprising "truths" about the Minotaur to Ovid's impact on the works of William Shakespeare, these lectures make classical mythology fresh, absorbing, and often surprising.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2000 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2000 The Great Courses

Perfect blend of theory and story

The first couple of lectures contain a great deal of theory. But don't let that deter you. As the lecture series progresses, the early theoretical foundation turned out to be invaluable tools for interpreting the mythological tales.

Over the years, I have listened to a lot of "The Great Courses" lectures. Professor Vandiver's series of Classical Mythology is perhaps the most memorable of them all. Her lectures are engaging yet not at all gimmicky. In my view, her blend of theory and story strikes the perfect balance for both learning and retention of knowledge.

It is very good.

The connection between the old mytys and your society it is wonderful. Great lstenning. The explication is very consistently and Worth the buy.

quite enjoyable

i have listened to this audiobook twice already and I enjoy it so much. The professor is very knowledgeable of mythology and narrates stories in a very interesting manner. for people who are thinking on learning about these stories but have no previous readings, this is an excellent way to introduce themselves to greek teachings, because it gives you several views. I loved it!

Excellent content, albeit with some annoyance

Fascinating topic, excellent and robust examination. I found the Professor's pronunciation of certain words really irritating (is it an American mid-west thing to say 'impordant' and 'wridden,' or 'liderature?) Anyway, probably a petty complaint at best, and certainly didn't prevent me from being greatly disappointed once I finished. I wanted more!

Highlights for me: the overview of the psychological 'why' theories of Myth, the importance and relevance of Classic Myth in Western culture today, and a better understanding of Ovid's Metamorphoses in its cultural context. I do wish there was a more thorough examination of the different uses of Myth specific to the Romans, as opposed to the Greeks, however.

Will definitely listen to again

Fantastic listen

Some much information it’s like drinking from a fire hose. Elizabeth Vandiver has set the bar to a new height.

A good treatment of the material.

I was very pleased with this course, over all. Unfortunately, it started out a little rough. The Professor was very knowledgeable. Unfortunately, she seemed rushed, or perhaps nervous through the first chapter and a half. Afterwards she falls into an easy lecture style, and seems like she's enjoying giving lecture a little more. Beyond these small points, I thought it was a useful series, with a good treatment of classic mythology.

Great lectures!

What did you love best about Classical Mythology?

Very interesting material. I learned so much. Professor Vandiver was an excellent speaker and made the subject come to life.

Excellent Lectures on Mythology

Where does Classical Mythology rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This is the first of the Great Courses audiobooks I have read and it was so good I will listen to more. Can not compare with the fictional books I have listened to - different genre.

Who was your favorite character and why?

NA

What does Professor Elizabeth Vandiver bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

She was a wonderful lecturer who is extremely knowledgeable on her subject. She kept me actively listening the entire time. It was a very complex subject that she gave just enough details for understanding in this basic course. Her voice and manner of speaking kept me engaged.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No. I needed to digest the information in between lectures.

Very good. Chapters are mislabeled.

Very thorough dip into Greek Mythology. Provides a lot of useful context. Well worth reading for anybody interested in history, mythology, philosophy.

Intellegent Presentation

Thoughtful and well articulated presentation of Greek mythology. Anyone wanting an intellectual introduction to Classical Greek (with some references to Roman as well) should consider this course. Very rewarding listen.